November 5-9, 2021
Russell H. Miller Theatre, FAC
Friday, Saturday, Monday & Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
Recommended for mature audiences.
A playwright. A spy. An assassin. A deposed Queen with a deep love of ribbons. And of course, a guillotine.
The Western Kentucky University Department of Theatre & Dance is proud to present The Revolutionists, by Lauren Gunderson. History, fantasy and theatre collide in this irreverent comedy from one of the most produced playwrights in the US. Four fabulous and formidable women are trying to figure out how to change the world. Unfortunately for them it’s the Reign of Terror in Revolutionary France, and anyone seen as a threat to the revolution (as defined by a guy named Robespierre) is finding themselves on the wrong end of a guillotine. Playwright Olympe de Gouges is all about a free, democratic France, but she’s pretty sure this isn’t it. She’s determined to write a fantastic play that will speak to the moment and help move France towards something better. Hopefully something that includes recognizing the full rights and humanity of women. Preferably without getting her head chopped off. Meanwhile, her friend, Marianne, wants her to write pamphlets and articles to rally people around ending slavery in the Caribbean colonies. Charlotte Corday wants some great last words for when she’s done assassinating Marat, and Marie Antoinette would like something to make her look a little better to future generations. The four of them banter, argue, bond and figure out some stuff about Liberté, Egalité and Sororité. FYI, they also mostly get beheaded.
Dr. Michelle Dvoskin, Associate Professor and Theatre Program Coordinator in the Department of Theatre & Dance, has been looking forward to directing this play for a while. “I’m a big fan of plays about history, especially ones about real people, that are very much geared towards our present moment in time. This play is set in 1793, but it feels incredibly contemporary. It’s also a very dark comedy, which I always love.”
Junior BFA in Acting student Elizabeth Garapic, who plays Olympe de Gouge, describes The Revolutionists as a play that has “stolen my heart. This is a play about sisterhood, and the women I have worked with on this production have truly embodied this. The rehearsal process has taught me an important lesson about the power of a good story, and good people… and created memories for me that will last a lifetime.” Along with the cast members, the production features the work of students at every turn: the assistant director, stage management team, dramaturgs, and costume and sound designers are all students working hard to bring this production to life. For costume designer Avery Barrett, a junior pursuing her BFA in Design and Technology, The Revolutionists has been an exciting experience: “The design team has been fun to work with, and it’s been a great chance to hone my skills.”
Of course, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made it necessary to take extra precautions. University and CDC guidelines are being followed throughout the rehearsal process. including the use of masks in all rehearsals. While this has posed some challenges, it’s also been a valuable learning experience. Come performance time, the masks will come off, but only when the actors are actually onstage during the performance. Performers are vaccinated and will also be tested prior to performance. Audience members are required to be masked at all times.
Ticket Information for The Revolutionists:
November 5-9, 2021
Russell H. Miller Theatre, FAC
Friday, Saturday, Monday & Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
Recommended for mature audiences.
Adults $16 / Students & Seniors (62+) $12
To purchase tickets, visit wku.showare.com or call the WKU Fine Arts Box Office (270-745-3121).
Spring Sneak Peak!
The spring semester will include two more exciting theatre productions! Sarah Ruhl’s play Eurydice takes the stage February 25-March 1. This beautifully theatrical exploration of loss, memory and love is a contemporary retelling of the myth of Orpheus through the eyes of Eurydice. Making this production even more special, Eurydice will be new Assistant Professor of Acting Alan White’s directorial debut at WKU.
April 1-3, Little Women: the Broadway Musical will bring Broadway actor (Phantom of the Opera) and WKU alumni Bronson Murphy ‘08 back to the Van Meter stage, this time as a director. Little Women tells the story of Jo March, a bold, creative and fiercely loving young woman determined to make a living as a writer. Drawing on her beloved family to craft the tale of four sisters finding their way into adulthood during the Civil War, she ends up creating a novel that remains a beloved classic to this day. Filled with hope, joy, laughter, loss and love, Little Women is a co-production with the WKU Department of Music and sponsored by Service One Credit Union.
Tickets are already available – visit wku.showare.com to order yours now!
-by Lauren Gunderson
