Jean Anouilh
Jean Anouilh (Jean Marie Lucien Pierre Anouilh) was born on June 23rd, 1910. Jean passed away October 3rd, 1987 at 77 years old. Jean Anouilh was born in Bordeaux, France.
Jean Anouilh was a renowned French playwright, screenwriter, and dramatist whose career spanned over five decades, and who remains one of France’s prominent literary figures, especially for his adaptation of the classic Greek tragedy
Antigone in 1944. Born in Bordeaux, Anouilh spent his formative years in Paris, where he briefly worked in advertising and attended college. His life changed when, at eighteen, he saw
Siegfried by Jean Giraudoux, which ignited his passion for theater. Soon after, he began working as a secretary for the famous director and actor Louis Jouvet, gaining experience that would shape his future works.
Anouilh’s works encompass a vast range of styles, from high drama to absurdist farce, and they often reflect his rejection of realism and naturalism. He embraced a poetic and imaginative approach to theater—what he termed "theatricalism"—and was known for rewriting history and myth, bringing new life to classic stories. His early collaborations included
Humulus le Muet, created with Jean Aurenche, followed by his first solo successes such as
The Ermine and
Mandarine. In 1937, he produced his first major hit,
Le Voyageur Sans Bagage (Traveler Without Luggage), which was soon followed by annual releases that found audiences both in France and abroad.
During the Nazi occupation of France, Anouilh penned
Antigone, a modern reimagining of Sophocles’ tragedy, which held powerful symbolism for the French people. The play portrays Antigone’s defiance against Creon, symbolizing French resistance to authoritarian rule. While the German authorities initially opposed it, they eventually allowed it, interpreting Creon’s pragmatism as justifiable. Yet, the French audience saw a clear reflection of their struggles under occupation, making the play a powerful, if subtle, call for resistance.
Antigone explores the conflict between idealism and pragmatism through gripping dialogues and moral questions, contrasting Creon’s authoritarian stance with Antigone’s unwavering integrity. This theme of maintaining one’s principles in a compromised world recurs throughout Anouilh’s body of work, resonating with audiences facing moral challenges. He often conveyed personal messages, channeling his grievances with institutions and his love for theater into characters that grapple with the loss of childhood innocence and the harsh realities of adulthood.
Anouilh continued to explore diverse themes and styles, as seen in his 1948 play
Ring Round the Moon, a romantic farce that contrasts two brothers, Hugo and Frederic, exploring love, jealousy, and deception. His versatility and technical skill earned him international acclaim, establishing him as a dominant figure in post-war French theater.
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Jean Anouilh: F.A.Q
When was Jean Anouilh Born?
Jean Anouilh was born on June 23rd, 1910.
When did Jean Anouilh die?
Jean Anouilh died on October 3rd, 1987 at 77 years old.
Where was Jean Anouilh Born?
Jean Anouilh was born in Bordeaux, France.
What was the first book Jean Anouilh wrote?
The first book written by Jean Anouilh was Traveller Without Luggage, published in 1937.
What was the most recent book Jean Anouilh wrote?
His most recently released work was Number One (a short story) on January 1st, 1985.
How many books has Jean Anouilh written?
Jean Anouilh has written 14 books. 3 books in the : The Collected Plays Series, 10 books in the Plays, 1 Short Story/Novella.