Janine Berdin

Janine Berdin is a French actress born in Paris on April 16, 1924. She is also known under the names Jeanne Berdin and Jeannine Berdin. After earning a baccalauréat in classical literature, Janine Berdin pursued theatrical studies with Pierre Bertin, Maurice Escande, Béatrix Dussane, and Jacques Charon.

She served as the principal professor of dramatic arts and dramatic literature at the Conservatory of Lyon. She took part in numerous radio programs (as producer and actress) as well as television broadcasts. She appeared in films, but devoted herself primarily to the theatre, including long-standing collaborations with Roger Planchon, Marcel Maréchal, and other directors such as Jacques Rosner, Marcel Cuvelier, Jean Meyer, Jacques Weber, and Gilles Chavassieux. Janine Berdin performed works by many authors, including Jacques Audiberti, Shakespeare, Pirandello, Obaldia, Ionesco, Beckett, Guitry, Feydeau, Michel Vinaver, and Worms.

She appeared in various Parisian theatres (including the Odéon) and in regional venues such as the TNP, Théâtre des Célestins, Théâtre des Marronniers, Théâtre Les Ateliers, and Théâtre Tête d'Or. She performed at the Avignon Festival and took part in international tours (Germany, Romania, and Russia). In 1971, Janine Berdin founded the “Petit Théâtre de Poche,” which she directed at 8 rue Juiverie, in Old Lyon.