Main entry:

Hemmings, F. W. J. (Frederick William John), 1920-1997.

Title & Author:

The theatre industry in nineteenth-century France / F.W.J. Hemmings.

Publication:

New York, NY, USA : Cambridge University Press, 1993.

Description:

xiv, 319 pages ; 24 cm

Notes:
Includes bibliographical references (pages 294-308) and index.
Going to the theatre in the nineteenth century -- The auditorium -- Performance times-intervals-annual closures -- First nights and previews -- Order and disorder in the theatres -- Applause and censure -- The claque -- Working-class audiences -- A pariah profession -- Social origins -- Training for the stage -- Salaries and contracts -- The difficult life of the actress -- Acting standards -- The profession is organized -- The closed slop -- From acceptance to performance.

Summary:

This is the first book to explore the history of French theatre in the nineteenth century through its special role as an organized popular amusement. In this fascinating study, F.W.J. Hemmings examines the transition of the theatre from an elite art form to its new role in post-revolutionary France as an industry like any other. During this period theatre became one of the few areas of employment where women were in demand as much as men, and a school of dramatic art, supported by generous government grants, was founded in Paris a century or more before similar training centres were established in London and elsewhere. Through an examination of contemporary documents and records, Hemmings reveals the social and cultural environment surrounding the theatre in this period. The book is divided into three sections: audiences, actors, and playwrights, and covers such topics as the attempt of the claque to dictate audience reaction, the social ostracism suffered by actors and even more by actresses throughout the century, and the increasing stranglehold the powerful playwrights' union established over commercial managers. Written in a lively style, it will be of interest to students and scholars of theatre history, French history and culture, and social history.

Resources:
Table of contents
Publisher description

ISBN:

0521441420 (hardcover)
9780521441421 (hardcover)

Subject:

Theater France History 19th century.
Theater and society France.
Théâtre France Histoire 19e siècle.
Théâtre et société France.
Theater.
Theater and society.
France.
Theatre History

Form/genre:

History.

Added entries:

Theatre industry in 19th century France.

Holdings:

Location: Library main 89703
Call No.: ID PLS; ID:93-B2607
Status: Available