| Citation |
BC.768.026
18-25 Apr 1768:1692 (1/19)
Extract of a letter from Paris. Mademoiselle Clairon, who
is at this time one of our most celebrated actresses, being
highly disgusted at the excommunication denounced against
all dramatic writers, actors &c. raised a strong party of
people of the best understanding, in hopes to have so great
a scandal removed.
Much was both written and said in favour of the
comedians, but all to no purpose; the priests stood firm to
their text, and would by no means consent to give up their
ancient and pious privilege of sending to the d--l whoever
they had a mind to.
Upon this the lady quitted the stage, and peremptorily
refused to act any more; declaring, it was unreasonable of
them to desire her to continue her profession as an actress,
if she was to be damned for it.
This unexpected resolution of the lady's threw the
manages into the utmost confusion. She is by much the best
performer they have, and so great a favourite with the town,
they would by no means be satisfied without her.
What could they do? Their houses grew thin, and she
remained obstinate: at last complaints were made of her
behaviour at court, and orders were given to send her to the
Bastille, she being an hired servant of the King's, and
refusing to do her duty when commanded.
After all, you can't say but the heroine's case was a
little hard: The King sends her to prison if she does not do
her duty, and the church damns her if she does. Here is
popery and slavery with a witness!
She had not been long in the Bastille, when an order came
from the court for the players to go to Versailles, and
perform before the King (for his Majesty never goes to Paris
to see a play) and Mademoiselle Clairon was sent for to the
Bastille, and commanded to go and make her appearance
amongst the rest; this she thought was best to comply with
being heartily tired of her new lodging. She performed at
court with great applause, and finding that all attempts to
gain her point were in vain, continued to perform as usual
ever since.
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