Behind the Curtain: Early 1900s Opera Claqueurs

This glass negative from the Bain News Service, taken between around 1910 and 1915, captures a unique aspect of early 20th-century theater culture: claqueurs at opera performances. Claqueurs were individuals hired to applaud and show enthusiasm, often influencing audience reactions and shaping the overall atmosphere of the performance. This practice was particularly common in the world of opera, where the emotional response of the audience could greatly impact the success of a show.

The photograph gives a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes elements of theatrical productions of the time. It reflects how performances were experienced in a communal context, where the presence of claqueurs could elevate the excitement and encourage more reserved audience members to join in their applause. Understanding this practice allows us to see how public perception and audience engagement played vital roles in the performance arts, revealing a complex interplay between artifice and authenticity in live entertainment.