François-Joseph Talma

François-Joseph Talma (1763-1826), French actor-manager who pioneered the Romantic style of acting. Born in Paris and educated in London, he joined the Comédie-Française, making his debut two years before the French Revolution. His first major role was as King Charles IX in a republican play, for which he introduced the use of costume of the character’s period. He joined the new Théâtre de la Republique in 1791, which amalgamated with the Comédie-Française in 1799. He played in Shakespeare, in the French classics, in Voltaire and in the new Romantic repertoire, and was described as “the fire from heaven”, having a brooding quality that dominated the stage. In performance he broke down the classical French verse-line, the alexandrine, into conversational style and adopted energetic movement that reduced the dignity and solemnity of tragedy, to the displeasure of critics. But his performances were popular; he was fêted and admired throughout Europe and honoured by Napoleon. He taught others his techniques, introducing his style to new generations and proving a great influence on French theatre.