Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Eugène Scribe

Role / Field:

Master of the 'well-made play' and prolific French librettist.

Born:

1791-12-24

Died:

1861-02-20

Century / Era:

1791s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Augustin Eugène Scribe (French: [oɡystɛ̃ øʒɛn skʁib]; 24 December 1791 – 20 February 1861) was a French dramatist and librettist. He is known for writing "well-made plays" ("pièces bien faites"), a mainstay of popular theatre for over 100 years, and as the librettist of many of the most successful grand operas and opéras-comiques. Born to a middle-class Parisian family, Scribe was intended for a legal career, but was drawn to the theatre, and began writing plays while still in his teens. His early years as a playwright were unsuccessful, but from 1815 onwards he prospered.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Writing, usually with one or more collaborators, he produced several hundred stage works. He wrote to entertain the public rather than educate it. Many of his plays were written in a formulaic manner which aimed at neatness of plot and focus on dramatic incident rather than naturalism, depth of characterisation or intellectual substance. For this he was much criticised by intellectuals, but the "well-made play" remained established in the theatre in France and elsewhere long after his death. In 1813 Scribe wrote his first opera libretto.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

From 1822 until his death he was closely associated with the composer Daniel...

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• 1791 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1791
• December 24 (12-24) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 24
• 1861 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1861
• February 20 (02-20) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 20

Frequently Asked Questions about Eugène Scribe