Théâtre Libre (performing arts center)

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.

Interior of the Eldorado in the late 19th century.
The venue in 2011, then known as Comedia

History

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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 Patrimoine du XXe siècle [fr] ("20th Century Cultural Heritage").[5]

In 2000 a new proprietor renamed the venue "Comédia".[1]

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

Théâtre Libre

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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]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Le comédia Café-concert L'Eldorado". Paris-promeneurs (in French). Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  2. ^ McCormick, John (1993). Popular Theatres of Nineteenth Century France. Routledge. pp. 63–4. ISBN 0203168119. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  3. ^ "Eldorado: Aristide Bruant". Art Institute Chicago. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  4. ^ "The Eldorado, Paris, Walter Richard Sickert (1860–1942), The Barber Institute of Fine Arts". Art UK. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  5. ^ "Cinéma l'Eldorado". POP : la plateforme ouverte du patrimoine (in French). Ministère de la Culture. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  6. ^ "John Malkovich on stage, from Steppenwolf to the West End – in pictures". the Guardian. 2 April 2019. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  7. ^ "HISTOIRE DU LIEU". Théâtre Libre (in French). Retrieved 29 April 2023.
  8. ^ "Search for setlists: L'Eldorado | setlist.fm". setlist.fm. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
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48°52′11″N 2°21′18″E / 48.8698°N 2.3550°E / 48.8698; 2.3550