Eugène Scribe (1791–1861) was an extremely prolific and influential French playwright and librettist of the 19th century. A master of the “well-made play” (vaudeville bien fait) and tightly structured drama, he wrote hundreds of comedies, dramas, and opera librettos. He collaborated with the greatest composers of his time, such as Meyerbeer, Auber, Donizetti, and Verdi (Les Vêpres siciliennes). His theater, widely popular, was based on clever plots, unexpected twists, and fluid dialogue. Although admired during his lifetime, he was later criticized for his formalism and lack of psychological depth.
