Theatre de la Rue Saint Pierre: New Orleans' First French Theatre
Long before the modern spectacle of the French Quarter, the cultural landscape of New Orleans was shaped by the Theatre de la Rue Saint Pierre. Established in 1792, this venue served as the city's first French-speaking theatre, providing a vital artistic hub for a diverse colonial population. Known to Spanish speakers as El Coliseo and to French speakers as La Salle Comedie, it laid the groundwork for the performing arts in Louisiana.
The theatre was a modest structure built from native lumber, situated on the uptown side of St. Peter Street between Royal and Bourbon Streets. Despite its small size, it became a focal point for social gathering and artistic expression during a period of significant political and demographic transition in the region.
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Key Facts
- Active Years: 1792–1810.
- Location: St. Peter Street, French Quarter, New Orleans.
- First Opera: Silvain by André Grétry, performed on May 22, 1796.
- Founders: Parisians Jean-Louis Henry and Louis-Alexandre Henry.
- Cultural Influence: Heavily staffed by refugees from the Haitian Revolution.
Founding and Architecture
The origins of the theatre date back to 1792 when Jean-Louis Henry and Louis-Alexandre Henry, both from Paris, purchased a 64-by-128-foot plot of land from Louis McCarty. The venue officially opened its doors on October 4, 1792, coinciding with the saint's day of the Royal Governor of Louisiana, Mr. de Carondelet.
Contemporary accounts provide a glimpse into the theatre's interior. In a letter to former governor Esteban Miró, Baron Joseph Delfau de Pontalba described the building as "small, but quite pretty." The layout included twelve loges (private boxes or loggias), which were highly coveted and rented for $200 to $300 annually, often reserved a full month before the season began. Seating was tiered by price: amphitheatre seats cost 6 esaclins, while the pit and gallery were priced at 4 esaclins each.
The Influence of Saint-Domingue
The artistic vitality of the Theatre de la Rue Saint Pierre was deeply linked to the Haitian Revolution. During the 1790s, a professional French troupe was organized, consisting largely of singers, dancers, and actors who had fled Saint-Domingue (modern-day Haiti).
Under the direction of Madame Durosier starting in 1793, the theatre notably employed quadroon actresses (women of mixed African and European descent). Durosier had previous ties to the Comédie de Port-au-Prince, and it is believed that famous performers like Minette et Lise may have joined the New Orleans troupe. Other key contributors included Joseph Destinval and various artists from the Comédie du Cap, which had been destroyed in 1793.
By 1797, the troupe consisted of fourteen actors. Among the highest-paid were Jeanne-Marie Marsan, Clerville, and Delaure, who earned salaries of $70 and were granted benefit performances.
Operational Challenges and Milestones
The theatre was not without its struggles. To secure funding, stockholders were granted permission to operate gambling within the venue in 1798. However, this concession eventually led to trouble; in 1800, the theatre closed following an etiquette dispute over reserved seating and allegations that the gambling license had been abused.
The venue reopened in 1802, only to close again in 1803 due to the deteriorating condition of the wooden building. After necessary repairs, it resumed operations in 1804. Beyond drama, the theatre was a pioneer for music in the region, hosting the first opera performed in New Orleans in 1796.
| Year | Work | Composer |
|---|---|---|
| 1796 | Silvain | André Grétry |
| 1801 | Il barbiere di Siviglia, ovvero La precauzione inutile | Giovanni Paisiello |
| 1802 | Le desert ou l’oasis | Joseph Arquier |
The End of an Era
For nearly two decades, the Theatre de la Rue Saint Pierre held a monopoly on theatrical entertainment in New Orleans. However, the arrival of larger, more modern venues—such as the Théâtre de Saint Philippe in 1808 and the Théâtre d'Orléans—rendered the small wooden building obsolete. The theatre went out of business and the property was auctioned off in 1810.
The final chapter of the building occurred in 1816, when it was destroyed by the same fire that claimed the first Théâtre d'Orléans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Theatre de la Rue Saint Pierre?
It was the first French-speaking theatre in New Orleans, Louisiana, operating from 1792 to 1810 in the area now known as the French Quarter.
Who performed at the theatre?
The cast primarily consisted of professional actors, singers, and dancers who were refugees from the Haitian Revolution, many of whom had previously performed at the Comédie de Port-au-Prince and Comédie du Cap.
What was the first opera performed in New Orleans?
The first opera performed in the city was Silvain by André Grétry, which debuted at the theatre on May 22, 1796.
Why did the theatre eventually close?
While it faced temporary closures due to building decay and gambling disputes, its permanent closure was caused by competition from newer, larger theatres like the Théâtre de Saint Philippe and the Théâtre d'Orléans.
What happened to the physical building?
After being auctioned off in 1810, the building was completely destroyed by a fire in 1816.