Frou-Frou (play)

The title role has been played by many actors, notably Sarah Bernhardt, Madame Modjeska, and Ellen Terry.

[1] The original play, often spelled Froufrou, was written in five acts by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy in 1869, exclusively for Mlle Aimée Desclée (1836–1874),[2] opening at the Gymnase Dramatique, Paris, on 31 October of that same year.

[3] M. de Sartorys, a shy and dignified diplomat, is in love with Gilberte Brigard, the beautiful but self-absorbed "Frou-Frou" of the title.

Four years later Gilberte, who has had a child, falls for the charming rake De Valreas, a friend and accomplice of her libertine father.

It opened at the Prince of Wales Opera House, Sydney on 26 September 1870 with Mrs Bandmann in the role of Gilberte Brigard.

Georges-Jules-Victor Clairin. "Frou Frou", 1882. Clairin's painting is said to be inspired by Sarah Bernhardt's interpretation of the part, though it is not a portrait of her.