What is the Petit Théâtre de la Reine?
Q: What is the Petit Théâtre de la Reine?
A: The Petit Théâtre de la Reine is a small theatre located near the Petit Trianon at Versailles, built in 1780 on the orders of Marie Antoinette for her family and friends' performances.
Q: Who designed and built the theatre?
A: Marie Antoinette's favorite architect, Richard Mique, designed and built the Petit Théâtre de la Reine.
Q: What was the purpose of the theatre?
A: The theatre was intended for performances by the Queen and her family and friends, as was common for many aristocrats' country estates at the time.
Q: What is the capacity of the theatre?
A: The theatre seats only 100 people.
Q: What is the interior of the theatre like?
A: The interior of the theatre is richly decorated in gold, blue, and white to resemble marble. The stage machinery still exists.
Q: What was the first play performed in the theatre?
A: The first play performed in the theatre was Pierre-Alexandre Monsigny's Le Roi et le fermier (The King and the Farmer, 1762), played by Marie Antoinette and her friends in 1780.
Q: Are there any original sets remaining in the theatre?
A: Yes, the original forest set and rustic cottage set used in the first play at the theatre have survived and were restored in the 19th century. They were also used in a performance of Le Roi at the Versailles Opera in February 2012.
