Pierre Jean Baptiste Choudard Desforges
Pierre-Jean-Baptiste Choudard, known under the pen name of Desforges, (15 September 1746 – 13 August 1806) was a French actor, dramatist, librettist and man of letters. Biography Choudard was born in Paris, the natural son of Dr. Antoine Petit. He was educated at the Collège Mazarin and the Collège de Beauvais and, in accordance with his father's wishes, began the study of medicine. He then turned to painting and did casual work. Dr. Petit's death left him dependent on his own resources, and after appearing on the stage of the Comédie-Italienne in Paris he joined a troupe of wandering actors, whom he served in the capacity of playwright. He was known under the pen name of Desforges, which also was the name he had on the stage. He married an actress; the two were welcomed in Saint Petersburg, where they spent three years (1779 to 1782). After his return to Paris he dedicated himself completely to literature. Desforges was one of the first to avail himself of the new facilities afforded under the Revolution for divorce and remarriage. His memoirs are said to have been undertaken at the request of Madame Desforges. He died in Paris in 1806. Works Theater