The legend of Garrick

Authors

  • Pierre Frantz Sorbonne-Université

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62336/unibg.eac.33.499

Keywords:

Garrick, Voltaire, Diderot, Theory of Acting, Stardom

Abstract

In the 18th century, actor Garrick gained remarkable popularity in France and Europe, contributing significantly to acting theories and theater revolutions in France and Germany. Paradoxically, despite his influence, few spectators on the continent saw him perform. This article explores the meaning and function of Garrick's legend, outlining the new status of the star actor in European society. It highlights the originality of his acting, his defiance against propriety, and his respect for artistic rules. From the 1770s, a contrasting image of Garrick, crucial to aesthetic thought, competed with the prevailing one of self-control in acting. This analysis is based on key documents and texts essential to these evolving conceptions.

Author Biography

Pierre Frantz, Sorbonne-Université

Pierre Frantz is an emeritus professor at Sorbonne University, specializing in 18th and early 19th-century theater. He is the author of a seminal monograph (L'Esthétique du tableau dans le théâtre du XVIIIe siècle, Paris, PUF, 1998) and has published critical editions and articles on prominent authors and actors of the period, including Marivaux, Diderot, Beaumarchais, Sade, Mercier, Voltaire, Lekain, and Talma. He has been involved in various national and international projects, such as "Therepsicore" and "RCF. Registres de la Comédie Française," funded by ANR in 2011, 2013, and 2019, and has directed editorial collections. Currently, he co-directs the critical edition of Voltaire's theatre (Classiques Garnier) and the collection "La Bibliothèque du XVIIIe siècle" (Classiques Garnier).

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Published

15-07-2024

How to Cite

Frantz, P. (2024). The legend of Garrick. Elephant & Castle, (33), 9–16. https://doi.org/10.62336/unibg.eac.33.499

Issue

No. 33 (2024): The Circulation of Actor Knowledge in 18th and 19th Century Europe

Section

Articoli

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Elephant & Castle

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