As an American who works constantly to keep up and improve my French language skills, I’m always on the lookout for new and portable ways to do this in NYC.
One of my favorite finds is the collection of “Madame Réjane Edition” plays at the main New York City Public Library – on 42nd Street and 5th Avenue. I happened on these one day while trying to find a copy of Henry Becque’s play, “La Parisienne” and was stunned to find this version in which each page is in French on the left side and in English on the right. What a fantastic tool!
When I turned my request in to the desk at the library, I had no idea that I’d receive back a paper script from the turn of the century. The plays are in really fragile condition and I had the feeling that I might have been the first person to request this piece in around 30 years or longer. However, I was totally hooked when I read the first page “The only correct version of my plays translated and printed from my own prompt books. Réjane. A total diva – I was immediately intrigued.
Reading on, the play’s title page reads, “As presented by MADAME REJANE and her inimitable company.” Fabulous. I had to read more about this character.
Apparently, Madame Gabrielle Réjane (1856 – 1920) was a fierce rival of Sarah Bernhardt’s who, after early performances in Paris, then touring England and North America extensively, opened her own theatre in Paris – the Théâtre Réjane. The lady meant business.
I was able to photocopy (working with great care not to tear the fragile pages) “La Parisienne” and have since copied several other of her “…only correct versions.” Having the English on the opposite page is of great help when I’m on the go, get hung up on vocabulary and don’t have time to pull out a French-English dictionary. Plus, I always get a little smile on my face when I read the diva comments on the opening pages.
By Jackie Sanders
