Paris Theaters and Cinemas Under Nazi Occupation: A Golden Age at a Price

A new series in Le Monde, titled 'Le théâtre sous l'Occupation', explores the paradoxical flourishing of Parisian theaters and cinemas during the Nazi occupation of France. The series, which begins with its first installment, reveals that both the German occupiers and the Vichy regime contributed to a fertile creative environment, leading to unprecedented artistic heights. However, this golden age came at a severe cost: theaters were 'désenjuivées' (de-Judaized), performances were monitored, and artists faced intimidation and compromise. The stages hosted both collaborators and resistance members, reflecting the complex moral landscape of the era. The series aims to examine this ambiguous period, highlighting the achievements and the ethical compromises that accompanied them.