Paul Fabre (1867 – 18 December 1902) was a French-Canadian actor, theatre critic and journalist who was active in Paris in the 1890s.

Early years

Fabre was born in Montreal in 1867. He was the son of

Hector Fabre Louis-Roch-Hector Fabre, CMG (; August 9, 1834 – September 2, 1910) was a French Canadian lawyer, journalist, diplomat, and senator. He was appointed to the Senate of Canada on 5 February 1875 on the recommendation of Alexander Mackenzie. ...

(1834–1910) of

Montreal Montreal is the List of towns in Quebec, largest city in the Provinces and territories of Canada, province of Quebec, the List of the largest municipalities in Canada by population, second-largest in Canada, and the List of North American cit ...

, a French Canadian lawyer, journalist, diplomat and senator, and Flora Stein of

Arthabaska, Quebec Victoriaville () is a town in south-central Quebec, Canada, on the Nicolet River. Victoriaville is the seat of Arthabaska Regional County Municipality and a part of the Centre-du-Québec (Bois-Francs) region. It is formed by the 1993 merger of A ...

. His father was appointed Canada's first General Agent in

Paris Paris () is the Capital city, capital and List of communes in France with over 20,000 inhabitants, largest city of France. With an estimated population of 2,048,472 residents in January 2025 in an area of more than , Paris is the List of ci ...

, holding office from 1882 until his death in 1910. Fabre was aged 15 when he accompanied his parents to Paris. Fabre became an actor and theatre critic. In 1887 he founded ''Gardénia'', a theatrical and artistic circle. ''Gardénia'' included many members of ''

Le Chat Noir (; French for "The Black Cat") was a 19th century entertainment establishment in the Montmartre district of Paris. It was opened on 18 November 1881 at 84 Boulevard de Rochechouart by impresario Rodolphe Salis, and closed in 1897 not long ...

'', such as

Alphonse Allais Alphonse Allais (20 October 1854 in Honfleur – 28 October 1905 in Paris) was a French writer, journalist and humorist. He was also the editor of the '' Chat Noir,'' a satirical magazine. Life From 1879, Alphonse Allais attended the ″Hydrop ...

George Auriol George Auriol, born Jean-Georges Huyot (26 April 1863, Beauvais (Oise) – February 1938, Paris), was a French poet, songwriter, graphic designer, type designer, and Art Nouveau artist. He worked in many media and created illustrations for the cov ...

, Paul Delmet,

Jean-Louis Dubut de Laforest Jean-Louis Dubut de Laforest (24 July 1853 – 3 April 1902) was a French author. He was a prolific writer, and published many novels on topics that were considered daring for the times, some of which were serialized in the press. Life Jean- ...

Hugues Delorme Hugues Delorme (; 10 April 1868 – 20 May 1942) was a French poet, comedian, playwright and journalist. Life Hugues Delorme was born on 10 April 1868 at Avize in the department of Marne with the name of Georges Thiebost. He first lived in Rouen ...

Georges Fragerolle Auguste-Georges-Prosper Fragerolle (11 March 1855 – 19 February 1920) was a French musician and composer. Life Georges Fragerolle was born on 11 March 1855 in Paris, the son of wealthy merchants. He studied literature at the Collège Rollin, ...

and

Georges Courteline Georges Courteline () born Georges Victor Marcel Moinaux (; 25 June 1858 – 25 June 1929) was a French dramatist and novelist, a satirist notable for his sharp wit and cynical humor. Biography His family moved from Tours in Indre-et-Loire to ...

. The comedian and singer Pierre Trimouillat also became a member.

Paris-Canada

In February 1892 Fabre was appointed editorial secretary of the journal ''Paris-Canada'', and two years later was made editor. ''Paris-Canada'' had been founded in 1882 with offices in

Quebec Quebec is Canada's List of Canadian provinces and territories by area, largest province by area. Located in Central Canada, the province shares borders with the provinces of Ontario to the west, Newfoundland and Labrador to the northeast, ...

and Paris, with the purpose of making Canada well known in France, and France better known in Canada. ''Paris-Canada'' had a sophisticated ''

Rive Droite The Rive Droite (; Right Bank) is most commonly associated with the river Seine in central Paris. Here, the river flows roughly westwards, cutting the city into two parts. When facing downstream, the northern bank is to the right, whereas the sout ...

'' flavor, covering

Montmartre Montmartre ( , , ) is a large hill in Paris's northern 18th arrondissement of Paris, 18th arrondissement. It is high and gives its name to the surrounding district, part of the Rive Droite, Right Bank. Montmartre is primarily known for its a ...

, the

Grands Boulevards The ''grands boulevards'' The ''Grands Boulevards'' are the quintessence of the Parisian boulevards. Their origin is a plan initiated by Louis XIV's minister Jean-Baptiste Colbert in the late 1660s, of comprehensive reforms and remodeling ...

and the

Rue de la Chaussée-d'Antin The Rue de la Chaussée-d'Antin () is a street in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. It runs north-northwest from the Boulevard des Italiens to the Église de la Sainte-Trinité, Paris, Église de la Sainte-Trinité. History In the 17th century, ...

. It included sections on literature, music and the theatre. In 1896 Fabre said that ''Paris-Canada'' reflected ideas, sentiments and interests of both sides of the Atlantic. He stressed that the practical goal of promoting business ties between the two countries was of great importance. However, the journal had little commercial influence compared to its significant cultural impact.

Quebec Commissariat

On 2 October 1896, at his father's recommendation, the Canadian government appointed Fabre secretary to the Commissariat of the Province of Quebec in Paris with a salary of $500. His father's salary was reduced by the same amount. Fabre transformed the Commissariat of Quebec into a cultural center that influenced the whole artistic community of Paris. However, his health was poor. Fabre died on 18 December 1902 at the age of 35.

References

Sources

* * * * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Fabre, Paul 1867 births 1902 deaths Canadian expatriates in France Canadian male stage actors Journalists from Montreal Male actors from Montreal