The career of Roger Planchon began on stage in 1949 after he triumphed in an amateur theater competition. A French director, screenwriter, and playwright born in Saint-Chamond in 1931, he spent his childhood in the Ardèche, drawing creative inspiration from his rural roots to inform his extensive body of theatrical and cinematic work.
Theatrical Management in Lyon and Villeurbanne
Planchon established the Théâtre de la Comédie in 1952, situated on the rue des Marronniers in Lyon. By 1957, he assumed the role of director at the Théâtre de la Cité in Villeurbanne. This institution transitioned into the Théâtre National Populaire in 1972, a position he maintained for several decades until Christian Schiaretti succeeded him in 2002.
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Throughout his tenure at the Théâtre National Populaire, Planchon staged a diverse array of productions, interpreting texts by Molière and contemporary writers such as Arthur Adamov and Michel Vinaver. Beyond his own directorial efforts, he facilitated institutional access for colleagues including Patrice Chéreau and Georges Lavaudant, contributing to the theater's evolution as a center for French performance.
Cinematic Contributions
Planchon expanded his creative practice to film, serving as both director and screenwriter. His filmography includes a cinematic adaptation of the Molière play George Dandin ou le Mari confondu, as well as the film Louis, enfant roi, which was presented at a festival in Cannes. He also directed a production focused on the figure of Lautrec.
Final Years
Following his departure from the Théâtre National Populaire, Planchon established a private company to continue his writing and directing projects. He remained active in this capacity until his death on 12 May 2009, which followed a heart attack in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. He is buried in the 22nd division of the Père Lachaise Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1931, Saint-Chamond, France
- Died: 12 May 2009, 9th arrondissement of Paris
- Primary occupations: Director, playwright, screenwriter, actor
- Theatrical leadership: Théâtre de la Comédie (Lyon) and Théâtre National Populaire (Villeurbanne)
- Burial location: Père Lachaise Cemetery, 22nd division
- Film credits include: Louis, enfant roi and Lautrec
Questions readers ask
What were the primary themes in Roger Planchon's writing?
His work was frequently inspired by his rural upbringing in the Ardèche.
Where did Roger Planchon serve as a theater director?
He directed the Théâtre de la Comédie in Lyon starting in 1952, and the Théâtre de la Cité (later the Théâtre National Populaire) in Villeurbanne from 1957 to 2002.
Achievements
- Worked as screenwriter, theatre director and actor
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