Architecture

Théâtre Silvain

Marseille

Théâtre Silvain is a theater located in the Vallon de la Fausse-Monnaie, in the Endoume district of Marseille. Inaugurated in 1923, it was designed as a sylvan amphitheater and could accommodate between 3,000 and 6,000 spectators. The site was ceded to the Ville de Marseille in 1941, after which it was opened only sporadically for several years. Entirely renovated in 1999, it has offered regular programming since 2009.

The theater’s history is linked to earlier initiatives by Paul Barlatier and Dominique Piazza. After acquiring land in the Vallon du Silence near the Fausse-Monnaie cove in 1922, Piazza commissioned architect Jean Boët to design a smaller amphitheater inspired by the theater of Epidaurus. The venue was named Théâtre Silvain in honor of Eugène and Louise Silvain, who had remarked on the site’s natural amphitheater shape and acoustics. The first performance was Euripides’ Hécube, with Eugène and Louise Silvain in the lead roles.

Map showing the location of Théâtre Silvain in Marseille
Location of Théâtre Silvain in Marseille

Nearby Objects

Theatre Silvain in Endoume

Theatre Silvain is a theatre located in the vallon de la Fausse-Monnaie, in the Endoume district of Marseille. It was inaugurated in 1923 and can accommodate between 3,000 and 6,000 spectators. In 1941, it was ceded to the Ville de Marseille, after which it was opened only sporadically for a period of time. The theatre underwent a complete renovation in 1999. Since 2009, it has offered regular programming, marking a more stable phase in its public use and cultural activity.

Origins and Design of Theatre Silvain

The history of Theatre Silvain begins with Dominique Piazza, who in 1922 acquired land in the Vallon du Silence near the Fausse-Monnaie cove. Eugene and Louise Silvain noted the natural amphitheater shape of the site and its acoustics, which helped inspire the project. Piazza then commissioned architect Jean Boet to design a smaller amphitheater inspired by the theater of Epidaurus. The resulting venue was designed to accommodate 5,000 people. Piazza named it Theatre Silvain in honor of Eugene and Louise Silvain.

The site is linked to an earlier theatrical project associated with Paul Barlatier, who in 1906 erected a theater named Athena Nike in the Chateau-Gombert district. That theater was designed by Jean Boet entirely in reinforced concrete and was inaugurated by Eugene and Louise Silvain. This connection places Theatre Silvain within a broader history of theatrical initiatives in Marseille associated with the same architect and the Silvain couple.

Construction and Early History

Thaatre Silvain was completed after six months of construction by 170 workers, using materials from the 1922 Marseille Colonial Exhibition. According to the historical record, it was finished only hours before its inauguration. The first performance at the venue was Euripides tragedy Hecube, with Eugene and Louise Silvain in the leading roles.

Raoul Audier served as the first director from 1924 to 1926, followed by Francois Laurent. The theatre later faced financial difficulties when public subsidies were reduced during the Great Depression of 1929. The deaths of Eugene and Louise Silvain in 1930 were followed by a period of decline. There were no performances during the 1931-1932 season, after which players of boules immediately reclaimed the site. Attempts to reactivate the theatre failed, and it was eventually abandoned.