Michel-Jean-Sedaine, born on March 2, 1719, in Paris, France, and died on April 17, 1797, was a prolific French playwright, poet, and librettist, known for his contributions to the Comédie-Française and the Opéra-Comique. His work is often characterized by a blend of social critique, sentimentalism, and a focus on the lives of the common people, which reflected the Enlightenment ideals of the time.
Sedaine was originally trained as a mason, following in his father's footsteps, but his literary talents led him to a different path. His early exposure to the arts came from attending plays and operas, which fueled his interest in writing. His first major success came with the play "Le Philosophe sans le savoir" (The Philosopher Without Knowing It), which premiered in 1765 at the Comédie-Française. This play, notable for its moral and social themes, was one of his most famous works.
Sedaine's works were influential in their time for several reasons:
During the French Revolution, Sedaine was an active supporter, reflecting the revolutionary spirit in his work. His involvement, however, did not lead him to the radical actions of some of his contemporaries; he remained more of a commentator than a revolutionary leader.
Michel-Jean-Sedaine died in 1797, and his legacy continues in the study of French literature and theatre. His works are studied for their historical context, literary style, and social commentary.