French theatre history

French theatre has a rich history dating back to medieval festivals and religious plays, evolving through classical tragedies and comedies by playwrights like Molière and Racine. The 17th century, especially under Louis XIV, saw the rise of the theater as both entertainment and political expression, with the establishment of majestic venues like the Comédie-Française. During the 19th and 20th centuries, French theatre diversified with realism, avant-garde movements, and experimental forms. Today, it continues to blend tradition and innovation, reflecting France’s cultural and artistic evolution while influencing global theatrical practices.