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Gold leaf and red upholstery dress this landmark for the performing arts in Aix-en-Provence. Let’s visit one of France’s oldest theaters, splendidly brought up to date at the beginning of this century.
By Jean-Dominique Dalloz - Photos José Nicolas - February 15, 2012
“A room in which every spectator can see and hear, no matter where he or she is seated;” this was the brief followed to the letter by the Marquis de la Barben, consul to the city of Aix-en-Provence and amateur architect at the time of the construction of the Jeu de Paume theatre in 1756. The place conserved the name of the court where the ancestor to all racquet games known today was played. It’s even said that a young Louis XIV had hit the ball here around 1660.
The dimensions of the existing site made the construction of a monumental theater impossible. So the stage and the auditorium are narrow, but the lovely depth of the stage had always permitted complex sets. The only survivor, along with one in Bordeaux, of the half-a-dozen theaters constructed in France at the beginning of the 18th century, it has as its crowning achievement a monumental elliptical crown decorated in a very rococo spirit with a musical genius.
Owned by the city of Aix-en-Provence since 1829, the Jeu de Paume theatre underwent a complete renovation between 1998 and 2000. Auditorium, stage, foyer, balconies, entrance… everything was entirely restored, and a new curtain by the painter Gérard Traquandi was installed. Upholstered with red velvet, the 493 seats today welcome a large and devoted audience. Under the direction of Dominique Bluzet since 1996, the Jeu de Paume presents a diverse theater program: classical plays alternate with more contemporary versions, recognized actors and young performers mix, and works for children and comedies also have their place.
What’s more, look carefully: every performance night, when the chandelier is dimmed, a little light shines in the eyes of each spectator at the Jeu de Paume… Welcome to the theater!
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