The Revolutionists, written by Lauren Gunderson at Trustus Theatre’s Side Door Theatre is a vibrant blend of humor, intensity, and bold historical imagination. Gunderson is known as one of the most produced playwrights today. Set during the tumultuous Reign of Terror in 1793 France, the play introduces us to four women—three of whom were real historical figures—who grapple with the injustices and struggles of their time. Their conversations, filled with passion, rebellion, and hope for a better world, feel surprisingly relevant given the political unrest in our country today.
The first of these women is Olympe de Gouges (Kathleen Arcovio Pennyway), a French playwright and activist who fought for women’s rights. As de Gouges declares, she is “happy that my plays piss off the right kind of people.” She is approached by Marianne Angelle (Courtney Sims), a fictional character who symbolizes the Haitian rebels and revolutionaries of the time. Angelle persuades de Gouges to write pamphlets supporting the abolition of slavery, particularly in Haiti, where the enslaved are fighting for their freedom. Alongside them is Charlotte Corday (Nicole Perez), the infamous assassin of revolutionary Jean-Paul Marat, who justifies her act of violence by accusing Marat of inciting mass murder. Poised for her execution, Corday seeks de Gouges’ help to craft a memorable last line before killing Marat in his bathtub. Finally, there is the deposed Marie Antoinette (Elane Werren), who wants de Gouges to rewrite her story in a way that will make the people love her again. She desperately seeks “better press” in the wake of her fall from grace.
Written by Laura Gunderson, the play is dialogue-heavy and, at times, could benefit from some tightening. However, the cast delivers the material with such verve and energy that it’s hard to look away. The actors frequently break the fourth wall, drawing the audience into the action, and this direct engagement never feels forced. Kudos to director Martha Hearn for expertly utilizing the intimate space of the Side Door Theatre, ensuring that every audience member feels like part of the action. Hearn's character direction is particularly strong, bringing out the best in each performer. Courtney Sims, as Marianne Angelle, is the standout performer of the evening. Her deeply emotional portrayal brings richness and depth to her character, making her both powerful and poignant. Elane Werren, as Marie Antoinette, follows closely behind, showcasing impressive comedic timing and playful expressions that add much-needed levity to an otherwise heavy narrative. Werren shines in her humorous moments, making Antoinette’s desperation both tragic and entertaining.
Although some of the set changes can be a little clumsy—an ongoing challenge in a small space—the overall design works well and does not distract from the performances. The minimalism of the set complements the play’s focus on character and dialogue. The Revolutionists not only serves as a fascinating history lesson but also acts as a timely meditation on the fight for justice, equality, and freedom. The language can be strong, so if you are sensitive to rough language, you may want to consider that. I appreciated how the play encouraged me to revisit French history and the revolutionary women who shaped it. The show runs through February 1 at Trustus Theatre. With limited seating, be sure to grab your tickets soon at trustus.org!
