The First Night of ‘Ubu roi’

Abstract

Ubu was first revealed to the world on 9 December 1896 by the Théâtre de l’Œuvre, performing on that occasion in the Nouveau Théâtre (now the Théâtre de Paris) at 8.30 p.m. This performance was what is known as the générale, which strictly speaking means final dress rehearsal. In effect, at the turn of the century, the générale was the most important event in the life of any play, as this was press night: all the critics and literati gathered to see the new play, and contrived to create a sense of occasion. The première itself, usually twenty-four to forty-eight hours later, was more of a social than a theatrical event. Ubu’s première duly took place on 10 December. These two nights constitute the complete performance history of the play on the regular stage during Jarry’s lifetime.