Théâtre Libre (performing arts center) explained

Théâtre Libre, formerly Eldorado and then Comédia (or Théâtre Comedia), is a 934-capacity performing arts center located at 4 Boulevard de Strasbourg in Paris, France.

History

The original venue was built in 1858 and became the Eldorado Café-concert in 1862.[1] It became one of the leading cafés-concerts, with its audience described by the Goncourt brothers in 1865.[2] In 1892 Toulouse-Lautrec produced an advertising poster for Aristide Bruant's performance there.[3]

Walter Sickert's 1906 painting "The Eldorado, Paris" depicts the patrons in the galleries.[4]

The original hall was demolished and reconstructed as a 2000-seat cinema in 1932–33.[1]

In 1993 the entrance hall and cinema hall were designated a ("20th Century Cultural Heritage").[5]

In 2000 a new proprietor renamed the venue "Comédia".

In 2007, American actor/director John Malkovich directed Ariel Wizman and Vincent Elbaz in at the Comédia.[6]

Théâtre Libre

In 2017, under new ownership, it was again renamed, to become "Théâtre Libre".[7]

In recent times, the venue has hosted artists such as R.E.M., Bon Jovi, Joan Jett and INXS.[8]

External links

48.8698°N 2.355°W

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Le comédia Café-concert L'Eldorado . Paris-promeneurs . fr . 29 April 2023.
  2. Book: McCormick . John . Popular Theatres of Nineteenth Century France . 1993 . Routledge . 0203168119 . 63–4 . 29 April 2023.
  3. Web site: Eldorado: Aristide Bruant . Art Institute Chicago . 29 April 2023.
  4. Web site: The Eldorado, Paris, Walter Richard Sickert (1860–1942), The Barber Institute of Fine Arts . Art UK . 29 April 2023.
  5. Web site: Cinéma l'Eldorado . POP : la plateforme ouverte du patrimoine . Ministère de la Culture . fr . 29 April 2023.
  6. Web site: John Malkovich on stage, from Steppenwolf to the West End – in pictures . the Guardian . 2 April 2019 . 7 January 2024.
  7. Web site: HISTOIRE DU LIEU . Théâtre Libre. fr . 29 April 2023.
  8. Web site: Search for setlists: L'Eldorado | setlist.fm . setlist.fm . 2022-11-08.