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Origin and history

The ancient Orange theatre was built during the reign of Augustus in the first century BC by veterans of the Second Legion of Julius Caesar, after the conquest of the Gaulish Tricastini tribe in 40 BC. Orange, then named Arausio, experienced a major boom under Augustus, during which time this theatre—one of the best preserved in the world with that of Bosra—was erected. Its exterior wall, 103 m long and 37 m high, even impressed Louis XIV, who called it "the most beautiful wall of my kingdom". Originally, a portico preceded this sober facade in large stone apparatus, divided into three levels with rectangular doors and arcades.

The cavea, able to accommodate 9,000 spectators, reflected the Roman social hierarchy. It was divided into three zones: the Iima cavea (20 steps, three of which were reserved for knights), the media cavea (9 steps for citizens and merchants), and the summa cavea (5 steps for slaves and non-citizens). In the semicircle, the orchestra was separated from the stands by a parapet. Overlay rooms served as reception and backstage. The scene, made of wood with an underlying machinery, dominated the 1.10 m orchestra and was adorned with a 35 m stage wall, formerly decorated with marbles, statues and friezes, some remains of which remain like a colossal 3.50 m statue (perhaps Augustus, or 2nd century AD).

Closed in 391 during the edict of Theodosius, the theatre escaped destruction thanks to its medieval reuse. The princes of Orange made it a fortress in the 16th century, then it will house houses during the wars of Religion. In the 19th century, Prosper Mérimée alarma on its state: "frightening degradation" threatened this "almost unique monument". Restorations began in 1823 under Prosper Renaux, then continued with Constant-Dufeux, Daumet, and the Formigés (father and son). In 1892 Jean Camille Formigé restored the steps, while Jules Formigé searched the pulpitum (1929–31) and rebuilt the stairs. Since 2006, a modern roof has protected the scene.

Ranked a Historic Monument since 1862 and registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, theatre is now a major cultural place. The Choregies of Orange (created in 1869 under the name "Roman Festivals") have celebrated opera since 1902, welcoming stars like Plácido Domingo or Montserrat Caballé. Since 2019, the Positiv Festival has programmed electronic music, and in 2022 was launched the Orange Metallic Festival. The Cure (1986, filmed for The Cure in Orange), Iron Maiden (1981), David Gilmour (2015), and Hans Zimmer (2016) are some of the mythical concerts.

The site, owned by the city of Orange, is now managed by Edeis (since 2022) in a project combining sound innovation and heritage. A virtual tour reconstructs its appearance in 36 B.C., including the Velum (Roman protective canvas). The UNESCO perimeter was expanded in 2007 to include Saint Eutrope Hill, an ancient strategic position of the princes of Orange. This theatre, where ancient history and modernity blend together, remains a symbol of Roman civilization in Provence and a high place of French culture.

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