Salzmann’s Second Dossier. “Pelléas et Mélisande” at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées (1921)

Abstract

This essay reconstructs the 1921 mise-en-scène of Pelléas et Mélisande, when Salzmann collaborated in the light design: it is a clear example of Salzmann’s ability to create the performance space by means of a set of lights. It provides new aspects to the reconstruction of the life and artistic experiences of this interesting and elusive man. A painter and lighting engineer, Salzmann made decisive contributions to the performances by Adolphe Appia and Émile Jaques-Dalcroze for the Fêtes Scolaires at Hellerau. Afterwards he collaborated with Tairov, Hébertot, Lugné-Poe, Gurdjieff.