Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris

The Théâtre Impérial du Châtelet opened its doors for the very first time on 19 August 1862, in the presence of the Empress Eugénie (Napolean III's wife). The honour of inaugurating such a prestigious occasion went to "Rothomago", a fantasy play written by d'Ennery, Clairville and Monnier.

The 20th-Century saw the theatre welcoming new forms of musical and visual expressions. As early as 1906, cinema conquered its stage, with the use of French director George Melies' fantasy films. Between 1928 and 1966, under Maurice Lehmann's direction, Parisians discovered some of the most famous American musicals, such as Oscar Hammerstein & Jerome Kern's Mississippi Show Boat, New Moon and Nina Rosa.

Recently the theatre has been under renovation and re-opened in 2021.

But after the controversial hiring and firing of Ruth Mackenzie, as director, the theatre's direction is in limbo.