The Theatre > History

Until June 1971, the Odéon presented cosmopolitan performances of the Théâtre des Nations, as well as from different theatre companies from the French provinces. One person who passed through at the time was a very young man named Patrice Chéreau who directed Shakespeare's "Richard II".

In September 1971, the Odéon was promoted to the rank of "National Theatre" and had to focus on "premiering original works and research to foster progress in the aesthetics of both national and international dramatic arts. Special importance was given to theatre companies from outside the major cities, to leading foreign companies and to the "Jeune Théâtre National". The programme featured such events as Goldoni's "Il Campiello" directed by Giorgio Strehler, and Edward Bond's "Lear" directed by Patrice Chéreau. The latter part of the season was always set aside for television recordings of the Comédie Française. Pierre Dux was in charge of the theatre until September 1977, before handing over to Jean-Pierre Miquel. The Petit Odéon was transformed: the dress circle disappeared and was replaced by raked seating, and the stage was lowered to ground level.