The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-12-14
The Theatres In Paris.

Since the revolution of lSis, The theatres in Paris
have had hard com bat to preserve their equibri-
um. In most instances they have fought well, and
have not been dismayed, although ruin stared
them In the face. The last two summers have
tfied their resources TO the utmost, and that the
greater number of them are still in vigorous action
IL proof Of more than ordinary courage and talent
on the part Of the respective managers. A recent
proceeding of the Minister of the Interior, more
over, has increased the difficulties of the theatres,
by sugmentipg a tax already too burdsnsome as
matters stand. The droits dss pdHUsst-in other
words, the percentage on the nightly receipts for
the benefit Of the hospitals-in the most prosperous
time only IL per cent, was reduced after the revo
luton of lsas to less than halt, by the reignng GO
venmt mt, anxious 10 keep the theatres open at any
sacrifice; M. Baroche, however, has found occa-
sion TO raise II once more TO 8 per cent. This step
has led TO general cutlery the part Of the
theatres, supported by the unanimous voice of the
press and the verdict of public opinion The direc-
tors have obtained an interview with M. Baroche,
who, we are given TO understand, listened with
favorable ear 10 their protest. and promised re-
consider the affair. At the present hour, when the
theatres have just come out, enfeebled and ex-
hausted, from a desperate struggle, any re.h inn
post adds heavily TO their difficulties, and renders
their position still more hopeless. That M Biroche
may rescind his late resolution is the universal
wish.
There are no less than twenty theatres open in
Paris. The Academic Nationae de Musique, Gas
the grand opera is now called) the Theatre de la
Republique, Tor Coincide Franc aise) the Opera
Comique, and the Theatre des ltaliens, the prin-
cipalr, receive from government a subvention,
which relieves them Of at least one.third OF their
expenses The Odeon, or second Coincide Fran
case, 10 also we believe, assisted 10 a similar man.
ner. The management Of these establishments de-
pends upon the approval OF the government, which,
IN case OF the retirement of Director exerts the
power of sanctonipg or rejecting any individual
proposed as successor. As these theatres are ma
tional property, and derive a great part OF their
means nom national bounty, such a regulation is
just and reasonable. The Come die Franc aise is a
corporate association Of artists, who have nominal
salaries, and are paid pro rata, according 10
the receipts. The director of the Academic de
Musique is M. Nestor Roqueplan OF the Come
die franeaise, M: Arsene Houssaye of the
Opera Comique, M. Perrin OF the Oieon, M
Ahsroche y and OF the Italiens, Mr.. Lumley,
who has been appointed successor TO Signor Rom
conf by The decision Of the Minister of the Interior
The theatres next In rank are the Vaudeville, Va
netes, and Gymnsse Drsmafique The kind Of
pieces produced at the hrst two are evident from
their namts-music, however, forming, by law, an
esseniisl part OF the entertainments; AT the Gym.
rsse, which is governed by the celebrated actress
kose Cher, who is married to M. Monsgny, the
director, variety Of domestic nelodrama is the
staple entertainment. The Theatre Montansier Cor
inS wSye P Ssysss Il farce q the Dro
chief triumpbs Of Frederic Lemaitre, provides the
lengthy hive act melodrama, with its lavish spec-
tacle and stirring incidents. to which, by the way,
our ancient Coburg bore some resemblance in its
palmy days. The Gate furnishes much the same
kins OF entertainment az the Varieties, though of
an inferior kind; and, on the other hand. the Am.
bigu Comique Tin spite of it's name) emnlates the
Tore - Martin in prolixity and horrors. The
Theatre National on the site Of the ancient Cirque
ga sort OF Astley,s), was opened ia 1871 by M.
Adolphe Adam, the composer, as the Opera Ma
uona or third lyric theatre. His object was pro-
ie ssedly the encouragement Of Young musicians of
talent, TO whom the doors of the Academic and the
opera Comique were closed; hut, after bringing
cut one three act opera &" GasIilbelza." by M
with considerable succeas M Adam
conhned the rep-tors to revivas OF the old French
writers, combined with works from bis own pen.
" men nsd elsewhere obtained but equivoca sue
ress The consequence was failure The Ooera
Nancnsl was shut up, and after long interval re-
opened with vaudevilles and pefifes comedies inter
mingled with music by the band Of one of the repi-
nents oft line. The Folies Dramatiques and The
Deissee meas Comiques, (whtre Robert Macaire''
~ss hrst produced), form, with the Gate already |
nemt cluster Of three small theatres all near To
zach other The performances consist Of short,
md comedies, OF the Paul de kock school The /
runaIsbules, another minor theatre, offers still
owl en'ef'einment OF the same order and is sup.
'crled ~ the humber classes. The litle theatres
y the Luxembourg aid Comte, those Of the Batis-
lolles andthe Month artre, are also chiefly devoted
o the amusement Of ne bas pospis At the Comte
ire TO be seen harleqOins, soiftmbdHqnss and con.
III D. Inc lheatre nisorque, one OF the largest
paris, " 81 present closed, M. Alexandre Dun,.
,avng Withdrawn from the management Here
we're hrst produced the revolutionary mplOdram,e
q which N Melipgue made his reputation, one of
which was attempt, at Drury lane Theatre, in the
ace OF an opposition but little credtabIe to the En-
,lish actors and managers, who should have shown
above euch petty and contemplate lea
ousies. Here alec originate the popular air |
Mourn ponr Ia Pafrie," the modern "MarssI |
sise, which played 80 Conspicuous a part in the
will take the theatres, no less than the Other ~.
tituticns OF the French CAPITAL, many long vear
> recover. The Historique will shortly reoeen. |