Le théatre du chat noir la marche à l'étoile Circa 1895

This rare circa 1895 poster captures the mystical energy of La Marche à l’Étoile, one of the celebrated shadow plays performed at the legendary Théâtre du Chat Noir in Paris. Designed by Henri Rivière—renowned for his silhouette artistry—and featuring music and poetry by Georges Fragerolle, the poster is both an artwork and a historical document of the avant-garde spirit of Montmartre at the end of the 19th century.

The stark black silhouette of travelers and shepherds under the night sky evokes the nativity story through ten poetic tableaux, blending religious imagery with the dreamlike visual style that made Chat Noir productions so iconic. Rivière’s mastery of shadow play is clearly echoed in the design: the silhouettes march in harmony with the bold typography, giving a sense of movement and solemnity, while the densely printed text conveys the rich program of the evening.

From biblical scenes such as La Crèche and Le Golgotha, to symbolic sequences like Les Femmes, Les Soldats, and Les Rois Mages, the play was structured like a spiritual odyssey, using projection, music, and verse to immerse the audience in a timeless journey. The poster also notes the humorous interludes and chansons that followed, offering a full spectrum of performance that was typical of the Chat Noir’s innovative programming.

A unique piece of Parisian cultural history, this poster is a testament to the Théâtre du Chat Noir’s pioneering fusion of visual art, music, and performance poetry. It exemplifies the fin-de-siècle fascination with mysticism, symbolism, and theatrical experimentation—an era when even the posters were poetic.

Cabaret - Paris

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