Théâtre Saïd, alternatively Grand Théâtre Saïd, was a travelling family entertainment company formed in the 1880s in France, directed by Eugène Saïd, and featuring around 25 performers in different disciplines like acrobatics, vaudeville, drama and pantomime.
History
The first known press mention of Théâtre Saïd dates from 1888. In this year Théâtre Saïd, according to a review, performed with an entirely new troupe of performers.
The name Grand Théâtre Saïd was used in June 1890 for the first time. In this year, an article described that Théâtre Saïd was formerly known as Théâtre Bracco-Moustapha, establishing a direct link to Grande loge de la troupe des Cinq-Nations from directors Bracco and Mustapha.
Throughout the years their repertoire shifted from acrobatics, gymnastics, trained animals and balancing to more drama, operette and vaudeville oriented. The comedic acts remained a staple. In 1897 they are advertised as "THÉÂTRE SAID : Comédie-vaudeville, opérettes".
In 1906, the Théâtre Saïd Frères was operating in Figeac. Contemporary reports indicate that the company followed a regular repertory schedule: dramas were performed on Saturdays and Sundays, while opérettes-bouffes were staged on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In 1913, it was reported they "will perform, as usual, every evening." Regarding the programme a newspaper mentions that its drama troupe was first-rate last year; the opéra-comique evenings also left good memories. A 1921 newspaper writes that following performances of operettas and opéra-comiques from its repertoire, its comedy and drama productions were also achieving what the writer described as “well-deserved success.” In 1924 in Lons-le-Saunier Théâtre Saïd performed operettas every other day.
A press notice dated 11 July 1925 placed the Théâtre Saïd at the Place Desaix, where a person identified as M. Rhein reported losing a purse containing money. This is the latest known contemporary press reference to the theatre.
Community activities
In 1893, discounted admission vouchers for Théâtre Saïd were distributed through the Union P.-L.-M., indicating that the theatre participated in local promotional arrangements during its engagements.
In May 1894, artists of the Théâtre Saïd troupe participated in a benefit concert held for the local musical society Harmonie Saint-Affricaine. The programme included the one-act vaudeville Histoire d’un Sou, Une Fête à Pékin, and the one-act pantomime L’Express, demonstrating the company's engagement with theatrical and pantomime repertoire in addition to its variety performances. The event was held in the Salle du Théâtre Saïd, indicating that the company operated its own theatre venue in Saint-Affrique at the time.
In July 1894, artists from Théâtre Saïd participated in an Alliance Française cultural evening in Mende, where they performed Histoire d'un Sou. The event illustrates the company's involvement in local cultural activities beyond its regular theatre performances.
The Théâtre Saïd also served as a venue for a local charitable event. In 1895, a performance was announced at the theatre in aid of the local charitable relief office, with musicians from the local Harmonie des Mines participating under the direction of its assistant bandmaster, M. Fabre. The theatre was located on the Quai de l'Hôtel de Ville. A subsequent report stated that the performance attracted a large crowd and raised 115 francs after expenses, which was handed over to the town's charitable relief office.
A 1896 local report mentioned the presence of the company's performers in Montceau-les-Mines. When an intoxicated man fell into a canal near the town hall, artists from the Théâtre Saïd and other bystanders responded to his cries and helped pull him from the water.
The company also participated in charitable performances in Montceau-les-Mines. In September 1896, the Théâtre Saïd gave a benefit performance for the town's poor, presenting La Grâce de Dieu, a five-act drama in eight tableaux. The "troupe du théâtre Saïd" performed with 25 artists, with the participation of a section of l'harmonie de Montceau.
In September 1920, during an engagement of nearly a month in Lavoulte-sur-Rhône, the Théâtre Saïd gave a charity performance before its departure. The programme, consisting of two comedies and several vocal interludes, accompanied by music from the local society La Lyre Voultaine, was well received. The performance attracted a full house and applause for both the performers and musicians, and raised nearly 200 francs for the local charitable relief office.
Structure and technique
In 1889, a newspaper article discussing municipal restrictions on travelling entertainments claimed that Théâtre Saïd may have been denied permission to establish itself on the Place du XIV Juillet. The report presented this only as a rumour and provided no official confirmation.
A newspaper report from January 1890 noted an accidental shooting involving a pistol kept in a wagon belonging to Théâtre Saïd. In the incident a 13-year-old boy slightly injured a companion by accidentally discharging the pistol. Fortunately, the weapon was loaded only with powder.
In 1896, the Théâtre Saïd was installed at Place Schneider in Le Creusot. A contemporary report regarding a theft refers to an annex of the theatre and a nearby booth, both of which were temporary structures; the annex contained a carpenter's workbench, a press and various tools.
In 1899, newspaper reports described the Théâtre Saïd as a travelling theatre measuring 34 metres in length and 8 metres in width. During a stay in Issoudun, it was installed on Boulevard Nicolas-Leblanc alongside other fairground attractions.
Variety repertoire
Acrobatics Gymnasiarques Performed by the brothers Saïd in 1888 as well as in 1893.
Tours de force aux doubles barres Performed by Italo the gymnast in 1892, this act contained remarkable feats on the parallel bars. A review describes that even Tartarin’s legendary muscles would pale beside those of this knight of the bars.
Le reck américain In 1894 this act was performed by the younger Antonio ("le jeune"). The act was also performed by the Troupe des Arabes, the predecessor of Théâtre Saïd, in 1883.
Balancing Le trapèze des équilibres périlleux Described as daring and unusual balancing feats on the trapeze, performed by Eugène Saïd in 1890, by the stage name l'Homme Volant.
Jongleuse équilibrisque Performed by miss Fatma and miss Zara in 1888 was this juggling and balance performance.
Équilibres sur le fil aèrien This act with balancing performances on the high wire was performed by miss Fatma. In 1892, she is named "Fathma" and her physical grace is praised, while performing her "marche sur un fil de fer aérien".
Jongle In 1892, Miss Emma Saïd described as a "slender young girl", performs juggling feats with remarkable grace and dexterity. Under the guidance of her "agile little" hands, balls, hoops, and daggers fly through the air, crossing and recrossing one another without ever falling.
Excercices d'équilibristes Mentioned and praised in an 1894 review are Miss Emma Saïd's balancing acts.
Arabian themed Jeux arabes In 1887 this Arab acrobatic act was featured in the newspaper.
La grande troupe arabe In 1888 this act was the opening of the show.
La Fantasia Arabe In February 1890 this act was performed by mister Béhée. Alternatively named 'la Grande Fantasia Arabe', this act was performed by Moroccan performers in June 1890 and June 1894. In 1893 and 1894 this act was described as the principal attraction.
Animal acts Chiens, singes et cochons savants In 1887 this act with trained dogs, monkeys and pigs was featured in the newspaper.
Meute savante In 1888, mister Tonino performed this act with his trained pack of animals.
Contortion Exercices de souplesse et contorsions This act was performed by l'indien Milloud and mister Kaoli.
L'homme-serpent In 1888 and 1893 L'Indien Milloud was listed separately on the programme. An 1888 review mentioned the act as already being known to the public of Nimes, but performing with new exercises. In 1892 l'Indien Milloud was described as the prototype "homme-serpent", as if his body was made out of pure rubber. In 1893 it is described as "l'élastique-man" of London's Crystal Palace. The act was also highlighted in an 1894 review.
Specialty acts Les tableaux de marbre In 1892 this living marble tableaux act contained sculptural poses and displays of physique.
Comedic repertoire Pantomime Pantomimes In 1887 pantomime containing several actes was featured in the newspaper. In 1888 pantomime was also part of their programme at the Champ de Foire. According to an 1888 newspaper each performance concluded with pantomime performed by mister Joseph Saïd in the role of Pierrot, together with the entire mime troupe. His act is described as a grand spectacle in 1890. In a 1892 review, Joseph Saïd's pantomime performance as Pierrot was praised in exceptional terms. The reviewer wrote that "Joseph Saïd alone is worth a five-act melodrama and dozens of tableaux," emphasizing the expressive power of his mime and facial acting. Named "GRANDE PANTOMIME" in 1893, the act consisted of ten performers and mister Saïd as Pierrot. An 1894 review mentions Joseph Saïd as the principal performer of "la troupe de pantomime".
Clown excentrique This act was performed by mister Ventre-d'Osier in 1888.
Comique en tous genres In 1888 mister Mathieu is described as a comic performer in many genres.
L'ESPION PRUSSIEN In 1894 this act, translated as the Prussian spy, was advertised as a five-act patriotic pantomime.
Une Fête à Pékin In 1894, this pantomime act, translated "a Festival in Peking", was performed by the troupe for a benefit concert held for the local musical society Harmonie Saint-Affricaine.
L'Express In 1894, this act one-act pantomime created by a resident of Saint-Affrique was performed by the troupe for a benefit concert held for the local musical society Harmonie Saint-Affricaine. This act was also performed at the Alliance Française.
Vaudeville and bouffonne
Comédie bouffonne In 1892 the show of Théâtre Saïd opened with an entertaining curtain-raiser: either the "comédie bouffonne", or the "spirituel vaudeville".
Spirituel vaudeville In 1892 the show of Théâtre Saïd opened with an entertaining curtain-raiser: either the "comédie bouffonne", or the "spirituel vaudeville".
Histoire d’un Sou In 1894, this act one-act vaudeville was performed by the troupe for a benefit concert held for the local musical society Harmonie Saint-Affricaine.
Comédie Le Fils surnaturel In 1907 this comédie was described as being performed by excellent performers.
Tire au Flanc In 1907 this comédie was described as being performed by excellent performers.
Les Gaietés de l'Escadron Mentioned in 1907.
Theatrical repertoire
Drama
La Passion Théâtre Saïd presented the sacred drama The Passion in 1894. It is described as both artistic and religious, an of a highly moral character.
It depicts the 15 Stations of the Cross ("15 stations du Chemin de la Croix"), and each scene is described so well rendered that throughout the performance the audience remains fully absorbed. The emotion is described so great that the silence is broken only by the enthusiastic applause of those attending. In this production the artists are said to reach perfection. Between six and twelve performers appeared in each act. Highlights are the tableaux of the divine drama, Christ's final breath and his descent from the Cross. The actor portraying Christ got special mention.
It is described as achieving the most lively and resounding success.
La Grâce de Dieu This five-act drama was presented in eight tableaux at a charitable event in 1896. The troupe performed with 25 artists, with the participation of a section of l'harmonie de Montceau.
Don César de Bazan