Description

Portrait of Dominique Blanchar and Jean Richar, captured by Brassaï backstage at the Théâtre de l'Athénée during preparations for L'École des femmes. Photographer's stamp on the back: "BRASSAÏ / 61, rue du Faubrd St-Jacques / PARIS XIVe / TÉLÉPH : PORT-ROYAL 23-41".

In 1936, Louis Jouvet, director of the Théâtre de l'Athénée, created one of the first modern adaptations of The School for Wives. Although he had been planning to stage Molière's play for nearly 14 years, Jouvet was stymied by the problem of scenery. Christian Bérard stepped in and, in addition to designing costumes in a new style, designed a mobile mechanical set that would divide the stage space into two different areas.
Initially Madeleine Ozeray played the lead role. But in 1946, Louis Jouvet spotted Dominique, known as "Minou" Blanchar, and gave her the role of Agnès. She played the role until the death of the director (who continued to play Arnolphe) in August 1951.
With 675 performances between 1936 and 1951, the production quickly achieved mythical status. In 2001-2003, the Théâtre de l'Athénée commissioned Jacques Lasalle to direct a tribute production of The School for Wives using Bérard's decor.