The Barber of Seville was written in 1773 by Pierre Beaumarchais, and first performed in 1775 at the Comedie-Francaise in the Tuileries. The play belongs to a trilogy by the playwright which also includes The Marriage of Figaro and The Guilty Mother, and belongs to the Commedia dell'arte style. The story centers on a Count Almaviva who disguises himself in order to woo a young woman name Rosine whom he has fallen in love with at first sight. But the Count isn't able to get close to Rosine due to the fact that her guardian, a Doctor Bartholo has intentions to marry her himself and thus locks her inside his home.
The Count soon realizes that a former servant of his works as a barber (which in this time period also refers to the position of being a medical practitioner as well). This man's name is Figaro, and Figaro because of his position is able to gain access to the Doctor's house, which he does for the Count as he is afraid to refuse this man with wealth and power for fear of retribution. The play ends with the Count and Rosine being married.
Figaro would go on to become the central character in the trilogy and was originated by French comedic actor, Préville and a decade later the torch was carried by Jean Dazincourt as Préville believed he was too old to continue to portray the character.
The play originated as an Opera Comique, but was initially rejected. Ironically, the play would become the basis of six operas by 1816, most notable was Gioachino Rossini's The Barber of Seville which has gone on to become a staple piece throughout the world.
