In 1616, Bishop Sébastien Zamet called on the Oratorian congregation to run his seminary and train priests for the diocese. The prelate granted the newcomers the land and buildings of the former Saint-Amâtre priory in the southern part of the city. The chapel did not see the light of day until 1676. Sober in its dimensions, plan and decoration, its entrance door is framed by an Ionic portico topped by a pediment.
Disused during the Revolution, the chapel was converted into a theatre in 1838. The exterior decoration bears witness to this new purpose: masks, scores and musical instruments are displayed on the pediment. Completely renovated in 2000, the theatre now seats 250.
A little background information:
Theatrical programming at the end of the last century was essentially the work of professional companies whose repertoire included boulevard plays; these were very popular with the public and could give several performances per session.
Even more impressive was the marquee erected on the Place Bel Air by the Théâtre Borgniet in 1899 "lit by gas, brilliantly decorated and holding 600 spectators". Between 20 August and 17 September, this troupe of around fifteen actors performed 28 different plays, up to 3 a day!
Ancienne chapelle des Oratoriens
