BERNHARDT

In June 1879, while the theatre of the Comédie Française in Paris was being remodelled, Emile PERRIN (1814-1885, Painter, Theatre Director and Impressario) took the company on tour to London. Shortly before the tour began, a British theatre impresario named Edward Jarrett traveled to Paris and proposed that she give private performances in the homes of wealthy Londoners; the fee she would receive for each performance was greater than her monthly salary with the Comédie. When Perrin read in the press about the private performances, he was furious. Furthermore, the Gaiety Theatre in London demanded that Bernhardt star in the opening performance, contrary to the traditions of Comédie Française, where roles were assigned by seniority, and the idea of stardom was scorned. When Perrin protested, saying that Bernhardt was only 10th or 11th in seniority, the Gaiety manager threatened to cancel the performance; Perrin had to give in.TranscriptionJ'exprime à sa Grâce tout le plaisir que j'ai à concevoir mes représentations dans sa maison.Sarah Bernhardt1/8/79TranslationI express to his Grace all the pleasure I have in giving my performances in his house.Sarah BernhardtAugust, 1st of 1879