Port Louis Theatre, Port Louis

The Port Louis Municipal Theatre, one of the oldest playhouses in the southern hemisphere, holds a rich history that reflects the cultural evolution of Mauritius. The theater’s origins date back to the late 18th century, when Joseph Laglaine, a health officer on a French warship, first envisioned bringing theatrical performances to the island, then known as Isle de France.

In 1790, Laglaine succeeded in landing a troupe in Port Louis, but their efforts were soon thwarted by the smallpox epidemic of 1792, which led to the disbandment of the group. Despite this setback, Laglaine's passion for theater never waned. He rallied the surviving members and a few local amateur artists to stage performances in a newly constructed "Salle de Spectacle" in the Company’s Garden. However, this venue was destroyed in the cyclone of 1818, prompting Laglaine to champion the need for a new, permanent theater.

The land for the new theater was granted by General Hall, who was acting as Governor in the absence of Sir Robert Farquhar. This plot of land had a storied past, having been the site of an old market that was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1816. On September 27, 1820, Governor Farquhar laid the first stone of the new theater in a Freemason ritual, marking the beginning of its construction.

The architectural work was entrusted to Pierre Poujade, while Pierre Etienne Thuillier, an artist, was responsible for the interior decorations and finishing touches. The theater was inaugurated on June 11, 1822, and quickly became a cultural landmark in Port Louis, offering a venue for performances that enriched the island's artistic landscape.

Unfortunately, by the late 20th century, the theater had fallen into disrepair. Neglect and lack of maintenance over the years had left the once-grand building in a state of deterioration. Despite its historical and cultural significance, the government at the time did not prioritize its restoration, and the theater's condition worsened. The lack of attention to this vital piece of Mauritian heritage underscores the challenges faced in preserving the island's patrimony.