Firmin GÉMIER (1869-1933). 3 L.A.S., [1897-c. 1906]; 10pages in-8 or in-12. Friday [August 1897], to a playwright. He tells how he left the Ambigu "despite a forfeit of 30000F" "to go to the Odéon with the sole aim of doing interesting creations with Antoine... and Ginisty". After Antoine's departure, Ginisty wanted to fire Gémier, who was therefore unable to repay the amortization of his dédit, which Rochard, director of the Ambigu, had agreed to reduce to 10,000 instead of 30,000. Gémier's friends set up a committee to sponsor a performance for his benefit, enabling him to repay his penalty. Gémier insisted on having a correspondent on the committee, which already included Zola, Barrès, Jules Lemaitre, Romain Coolus, Robert de Flers and others. [The performance finally took place on December 23, 1897, and brought in 8,200 francs for Gémier]. - To a friend, whom he can help to join the Odéon troupe, through J.M. Gros, formerly at L'Œuvre, now chief of staff to the President of the Council. - Saint-Amour August 28 [circa 1906?], to a friend, about the Théâtre populaire. He is disappointed by Jaurès's speech, which sees instead "a political theater. This theater has never succeeded. We need to be more skilful". He drew up the specifications with Paul Léon... "You're right, we can create a fine work - without looking like it, because we have 4 years of reaction ahead of us. It's Michelet's th. and I'd quite like to give it this title: Théâtre Michelet. The word peuple has always been used with a small p in the public... Th. du Peuple is a fine name, but public opinion doesn't see it with such grandeur"... He counts on his friend's collaboration: "You have Faith! So have I! It's so rare; when I find it in someone, and especially in a man as intelligent as you [...] and at the same time in a friend, I bark like Dick (my dog) when he finds his master! You'll see that I've "understood" the popular Th.: we'll do it by taking detours and without frightening anyone. Suddenly it will appear in full force, with all its meaning. I'm only asking for 2 seasons. If we want to suppress or divert it, it will be too powerful. His clientele will be made, his friends too numerous. It will be there, indissoluble, like the C.G.T."... 4 programs are enclosed: - Théâtre Antoine, December 16, 1913, Le Procureur Hallers, with photo of Gémier on cover; - Théâtre National Ambulant Gémier, 1911, 1st season, for Anna Karenina; - Comédie Montaigne Gémier (future Comédie des Champs-Élysées), 2 programs for the 1920-1921 season: Lenormand's Le Simoun, and Shakespeare's La Mégère apprivoisée.