Paul Siraudin

Paul Siraudin by Georges Lafosse

Paul Siraudin (1812–1883) was a French playwright and librettist. He was a prominent figure in the 19th-century French theatre, known for his contributions to the genre of vaudeville and operetta.

Early Life

Paul Siraudin was born on December 6, 1812, in Paris, France. He pursued a career in law before turning to the theatre. His legal background influenced his writing style, which often included sharp wit and satirical elements.

Career

Siraudin began his career as a playwright in the 1830s. He collaborated with several notable writers of his time, including Eugène Labiche, Alfred Delacour, and Henri Meilhac. His works were characterized by their humor and clever dialogue, making them popular with Parisian audiences.

Vaudeville

Siraudin was particularly known for his vaudeville plays. Vaudeville, a genre of light comedy interspersed with songs, was immensely popular in 19th-century France. Some of his notable vaudeville works include Le Brésilien (1863) and Les Dominos roses (1876), which he co-wrote with Alfred Hennequin and Alfred Delacour.

Operetta

In addition to vaudeville, Siraudin made significant contributions to the operetta genre. He wrote librettos for several operettas, collaborating with composers such as Jacques Offenbach and Léo Delibes. His operetta works include La Vie parisienne (1866) and Le Roi Carotte (1872).

Personal Life

Paul Siraudin was known for his sociable nature and was a well-respected figure in literary and theatrical circles. He was married and had children, but details about his personal life remain relatively obscure.

Legacy

Siraudin's works continue to be studied and performed, reflecting the enduring appeal of his comedic style. His contributions to vaudeville and operetta have left a lasting impact on French theatre.

Selected Works

• Le Brésilien (1863)
• Les Dominos roses (1876)
• La Vie parisienne (1866)
• Le Roi Carotte (1872)

See Also

• Vaudeville
• Operetta
• Jacques Offenbach
• Léo Delibes
• Eugène Labiche
• Henri Meilhac