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Charles DullinFrench actor and theatre director.
Date of Birth: 08.05.1885
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Life and Training
- Encountering Antoine and Joining the Theatre
- Breakthrough Roles and the Theatre of the Arts
- Founding the Atelier Theatre
- - "Volpone" (1928)
Early Life and Training
Charles Dullin was born on May 8, 1885, in Yzeure, France. He studied in a seminary before trying out various professions in Lyon, from clerk to assistant bailiff. In 1905, he moved to Paris, where he initially performed poetry recitals at the small theater "Le Lapin Agile" and participated in plays.
Encountering Antoine and Joining the Theatre
In 1907, Dullin met André Antoine, a renowned theatrical director. At Antoine's suggestion, Dullin joined the Odéon Theatre. Working under Antoine, Dullin honed his craft and became one of the most renowned stage actors of the time.
Breakthrough Roles and the Theatre of the Arts
In 1909, Dullin joined the company of the Theatre of the Arts. In 1911, he achieved his first significant role, playing Smerdyakov in a stage adaptation of Fyodor Dostoevsky's "The Brothers Karamazov." He joined Jacques Copeau's "Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier" in 1913 and continued his acclaimed performance in "The Brothers Karamazov." There, he also found his other remarkable role, Harpagon in Molière's "The Miser."
Founding the Atelier Theatre
From 1919 to 1921, Dullin performed at Gaston Baty's theater. In 1922, he established his own theater, the Atelier, which he led until 1940. Under Dullin's direction, the Atelier produced numerous critically acclaimed productions, including:
- "Volpone" (1928)
- "The Threepenny Opera" (1930)- "The Seagull" (1936)
Collaboration with the Comédie-Française and Post-Occupation Era
In 1937, Dullin was invited to direct Pierre Beaumarchais' "The Marriage of Figaro" at the Comédie-Française. During the Nazi occupation of Paris, he left the Atelier and worked at the Théâtre de Paris and Théâtre Sarah Bernhardt (renamed Théâtre de la Cité by the occupiers). In 1943, he directed Jean-Paul Sartre's existentialist play "The Flies."
Dullin remained at the Théâtre de la Cité until 1947 and later staged Armand Salacrou's "Archipel Lenoir" at the Théâtre de Montparnasse, playing the lead role himself. In his later years, Dullin continued to tour extensively.
Charles Dullin died on December 11, 1949, in Paris, France. He is remembered as one of the most influential theater directors and actors of the early 20th century.
