Jean Vilar

Vilar, Jean (1912-71). French theatre-director and actor, a leading figure in décentralisation and théâtre populaire. After training under Dullin and working in small independent arts theatres, he became frustrated with their narrow élitist horizons and devoted himself to ‘people's theatre’. He created two hugely successful institutions, the Festival d'Avignon and the TNP (the former Théâtre National Populaire), which he took over in 1951. His production style was noted for its sparse, almost ascetic simplicity. His artistic policy, underpinned by his sense of theatre's social responsibility, was to bring theatre of the highest order, but especially the classical heritage, to the greatest possible number of people.

[David Whitton]

• Born: Mar 25, 1912 in Séte, France
• Died: May 28, 1971 in Séte, France
• Occupation: Actor
• Active: '40s-'50s, '70s
• Major Genres: Drama, Adventure
• Career Highlights: Les Portes De La Nuit, Des Christs Par Milliers, Les Aventures de Till L'Espiegle
• First Major Screen Credit: Les Portes De La Nuit (1946)

Biography

French actor Jean Vilar primarily made his name on-stage as both a distinguished performer and a director. Following studies at the University of Montpellier and the University of Paris, he worked as a jazz musician. He then began his acting and directorial career. The few sojourns Vilar made into feature films were generally memorable ones. A one-time director of the Theatre National Populaire, Vilar served as the manager of the Palais de Chaillot from 1951 until 1963. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

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