Eugène Scribe

Born in Paris on December 24, 1791, Eugène Scribe first studied for a career in law before turning to the theatre. After early setbacks, he found success in 1815 and went on to write or co-write hundreds of plays, often working with other dramatists. His polished plots, clever misunderstandings, and focus on dramatic action became known as the “well-made play.”

Scribe was also one of the most productive librettists of his time. His long collaboration with composer Daniel Auber produced 39 operas, including La Muette de Portici, and he contributed to major works such as Rossini’s Le Comte Ory, Meyerbeer’s Robert le diable and Les Huguenots, Halévy’s La Juive, and Verdi’s Les Vêpres siciliennes. Elected to the Académie Française in 1836, he continued working until his death in Paris on February 20, 1861.