The Comédie-Française, founded in 1680 by Louis XIV by royal decree, is the oldest still active theatre in the world. The house has resided since 1799 in the Théâtre du Palais-Royal at Place Colette with around 870 seats and is France's most important drama stage. The company maintains a permanent ensemble of about 60 actors recruited according to traditional admission rules (Sociétaires) — one of the few remaining repertory stages with classical ensemble tradition. The house cultivates the legacy of Molière, who died on stage here in 1673 during a performance of his Imaginary Invalid. The repertoire includes classics and contemporary French drama.
The Sociétaires of the Comédie-Française remain shareholders in the house to this day — at their death they receive a funeral, and Molière's chair from 1673 is preserved like a relic.
At a glance
- Type
- Theatre
- Location
- Paris, France
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