All this talk of Elizabethan ruffs, it seemed like the right time to share some of my photos from a behind the scenes tour of the La Comedie Francaise in Paris.
La Comedie Francaise is a state theatre that was founded when two Parisian acting troupes merged under the decree of by Louis XIV on August 24, 1680. At that time, the repertoire consisted of the plays of Moliere, Racine and others. During the French Revolution, La Comedie Francaise was shut down by order of public safety on September 3, 1783 and the actors were imprisoned. It reopened on May 31, 1799 and been in operation ever since.
When I toured the wardrobe department last spring, I marveled at the incredible knowledge and passion of the staff as well as the exquisite craftsmanship of the costumes and accessories created there.
Elizabethan Ruff in the Ironing Department of Le Comedie Francaise
copyright of Ingrid Mida 2009
The Hat Department of Le Comedie Francaise
Copyright of Ingrid Mida 2009
A Men's 18th Century Costume from Le Comedie Francaise
Copyright of Ingrid Mida 2009
The Wardrobe Inventory Book from Le Comedie Francaise
Copyright of Ingrid Mida 2009
To attend a performance of La Comedie Francaise, visit their website here.
