Tatiana Pavlovna Balachova (; 25 February 1902–4 August 1973), known as Tania Balachova, was a Russian-French actress and director. After World War II, she became one of the most influential acting tutors in France.
Early life Balachova was born in Saint Petersburg on 25 February 1902. Her family emigrated to Brussels, where she studied at the Royal Conservatory. It was at the conservatory that she met her future husband, Belgian actor Raymond Rouleau.
Career Balachova and Rouleau married and moved together to Paris. There, they collaborated with Gaston Baty, Charles Dullin, Louis Jouvet, Georges Pitoëff, and Antonin Artaud, among others. They separated in 1940, though they continued to work together professionally. She originated the role of Inès in Jean-Paul Sartre's Huis Clos [No Exit] at the Vieux-Colombier Theatre in May 1944.:30
She went on to become an acting tutor in France, training many of its talent in theatre and cinema.
Death She died in Bagnoles-de-l'Orne on 4 August 1973 of a heart attack.
Notable students Niels Arestrup Danièle Delorme:155
Maurice Garrel
Michael Lonsdale
Christian Marquand
Antoine Vitez:416 Daniel Emilfork
Selected theatre works DateRolePlayAuthorDirectorTheatreReferenceJanuary 1928The DybbukS. AnskyGaston BatyStudio des Champs-Élysées2 & 9 June 1928Indra's Daughter/AgnesA Dream PlayAugust StrindbergAntonin ArtaudThéâtre Alfred JarryMay 1944InèsHuis Clos [No Exit]Jean-Paul SartreRaymond RouleauThéâtre du Vieux-Colombier
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