Bocage
(1797-1863)

Bocage was the stage name of Pierre-Martinien Touzé [or Tousez]. His date of birth is variously given as 1797, 1799 and 1801; his first names are sometimes given as Pierre-François. Turned down by the Conservatory, he experienced a slow and difficult start to his career, playing for many years in the provinces, but by the 1830s he was appearing in leading roles in Paris, where he was attached to various theatres, enjoying an enormous popularity in romantic roles. He also appeared at the Théâtre Français in the classics, and at the Odéon, where he was the director between 1845 and 1848.

He died on 30 August 1863.