Les relations entre les acteurs italiens et les acteurs français,1658-1689

The commedia dell’arte troupe that operated in Paris in the second half of the 17th century shared theatres with Molière’s troupe and the Guénégaud company before transferring to the Hôtel de Bourgogne on the creation of the Comédie-Française. Previously harmonious relations deteriorated rapidly when the Italians began to perform in French. This article examines the issues at play in the context of a theatrical environment where troupes were forced to compete in order to survive.