Henri Meilhac was a French librettist and dramatist celebrated for his wit, theatrical insight, and ability to bring characters vividly to life on the operatic stage. His collaboration with composers like Jacques Offenbach and Georges Bizet, most famously on Carmen, helped redefine opera and operetta in 19th-century France, blending humor, drama, and social commentary with unforgettable musical storytelling.

Born in Paris, Meilhac began his career writing for the theater and soon developed a reputation for sparkling dialogue, sharp satire, and clever plot construction. His partnership with Ludovic Halévy proved especially fruitful, producing dozens of operettas for Offenbach that delighted Parisian audiences with their elegance and humor.

Together, Meilhac and Halévy transformed French opera, creating libretti that balanced comedy, romance, and social critique with precision and flair. Their work on Bizet’s Carmen exemplifies this artistry, adapting Mérimée’s novella into a character-driven drama that challenged operatic conventions and secured a permanent place in the repertoire. Beyond the stage, Meilhac enjoyed a celebrated career as a playwright and writer, leaving behind a legacy defined by intelligence, charm, and enduring influence on musical theater.