Tipping Point Theatre’s ‘The Revolutionists’ is Revolutionary Theatre
As the old saying goes, history is written by the victors, which, as we all know, doesn’t always translate to an accurate representation. Those who paint the picture determine the focal point, which means that people who aren’t at the top of the social food chain rarely have their stories told. There are people who have done extraordinary things to change the world, whose achievements have been stripped from them or otherwise altered to make those in power look good. Minorities of all kinds, be it people of color, women, members of the LGBTQ+ population, you name it, history has done its best to erase that which doesn’t shine a positive light on the victors. However… in today’s society, we’re starting to reclaim long-forgotten pieces of history, with Tipping Point Theatre’s The Revolutionists as a prime example.
Written by playwright Lauren Gunderson, The Revolutionists is rewriting history in a way you’ve never seen before. Set at the height of the French Revolution, with civil unrest at a boiling point, Gunderson profiles four badass women who shaped (or, in one case, could have shaped) the global narrative. Blending their actual lives together with a bit of theater license, along with the keen eye of director Michael Lluberes, The Revolutionists serves as a bit of historical what-if, as the play keenly reclaims women’s rightful place in the narrative once again.
Using humor as the much-needed spoonful of sugar to help swallow the devastating reality women faced during the French Revolution, The Revolutionists explores what it means to truly fight for what you believe in. Tipping Point Theatre is not only closing out its 18th season with another exceptional show but also delivering a message that everyone needs to hear.
[Warning: Spoilers from The Revolutionists are below!]
Dreams of being a writer and ends up being a badass
All Olympe de Gouges (Julia Glander) wants to do is to write the next great play, although in all truth, she seems stuck. No words are flowing from her mind to her quill, essentially trapping her at her desk with nothing to show for it except the pile of crinkled parchment. But who can really blame her for a bit of writer’s block when the entire world is essentially going mad? Outside her door, the French Revolution is in full swing, and truthfully, it’s not safe for a woman such as Olympe de Gouges.
Filled with thoughts of saving the world through her art, there’s danger in being outspoken, especially when viewed as being less for being a woman. However, as The Revolutionist points out, she’s not alone in this struggle, as there are others to help her in this particular fight. Marianne Angelle (Rebecca Rose Mims) is the first to arrive on Olympe’s doorstep, needing help that the writer would excel at. Pamphlets are required to continue Marianne’s fight to end slavery in her homeland. She’s a freedom fighter in every sense of the word, as well as a spy, which comes with its own set of dangers. However, spreading knowledge is her greatest ally in this fight, and Olympe is known for her words.
However, Olympe is reluctant to get involved, a theme that The Revolutionists continually returns to. She wants to revolt through her art, which she sees as a safer avenue than pamphlets, not understanding that any form of revolution is an act of treason. Instead, she grapples with her strong sense of self-preservation, with fear ruling nearly all of her decisions.
So when her world collides with Charlotte Corday (Josie Mi) and Marie Antoinette (Jamie Elvey), there’s a crisis of conscience. With Charlotte determined to kill Jean-Paul Marat, a journalist whose radical views were creating plenty of bloodshed in France, and Marie looking for someone to save her head, Olympe de Gouges has to finally make a decision. Is remaining quiet as the unrest in France builds up the right call? Or is it time to use her voice to make a difference, even if it spells certain death?
The Revolutionists excels in the exemplary
As a critic, I’m always thinking about what a show is ultimately saying to the audience, especially a show such as The Revolutionists. Lauren Gunderson has written an alternate history that explores the lives of some incredible women, weaving a story that explores what empowerment truly means in a world that is attempting to rip that apart. All four of these women were ahead of their time. These are individuals who have defied the roles society has imposed on them, using their voices to speak truths some might not want to hear. They used their bodies to fight against the chains created to hold them down, forcing them into place.
It’s an inspiring story at its core, showing audiences that in moments of difficulty, having a voice and using it for good is what we should aim for. That’s where The Revolutionists really shines, as the theme that stood out the most wasn’t just the story of these women, but the hope that they had in the face of adversity. Much like Olympe, it’s easy to give in to the fear, which keeps us silent in a moment when we need to speak up. However, The Revolutionists guides audiences to using their voices, because action today brings hope for a better tomorrow.
The framework of The Revolutionists is strong, with Gunderson’s script beautifully laying the groundwork for what Tipping Point brought to audiences. However, it’s the talent and strength of the actresses on stage that truly make this show one-of-a-kind.
I have yet to see Julia Glander on stage before The Revolutionists, although I’ve known her for quite a while. As a person, she’s lovable, energetic, and warm. She has a way of making everyone who steps into Tipping Point feel special, which speaks to how much she cares about the world at large. That being said, I don’t think I could ever be prepared for seeing her on stage. Glander is electric at Olympe de Gouges. She commands the stage, and I found myself following her every move. Even when she isn’t saying a line, she’s delivering a message with a simple move or a change of facial expression. I could easily see Olympe de Gouges being significantly unlikeable in another’s hands, but with Julia Glander, she’s charming, even through the darkness that haunts her.
Rebecca Rose Mims also has a commanding presence as Marianne Angelle. Marianne is perhaps the most level-headed of the group, although when she loses her cool, it’s striking. Mims gives a masterclass in this role, filling Marianne with life, volleying between warmth in one moment and then sending chills down my spine with a single look.
Charlotte Corday is all fire with no chill. She has a one-track mind when it comes to her mission, and not much can slow her down. While she could absolutely be seen as one-dimensional, Josie Mi has managed to make her feel like a fully-fledged person. There’s a humor within the character, which Mi finds expertly. You can’t help but laugh along with the exaggerated seriousness of the character, which is only heightened with each like that Mi lands with perfect comedic timing.
But where would this show be without Marie Antoinette? I’ll be honest, I was apprehensive of how she fit into The Revolutionists prior to seeing the show, but after, she feels like the crux of the show. Marie is witty, sarcastic, and so much more than the vapid person she’s portrayed as. Jamie Elvey balances that humor with such an emotional weight. Elevey was an absolute highlight of the show, as the audience hung on her every word, roaring with laughter after each joke and crying profusely at just the right moment.
Final thoughts on Tipping Point Theatre’s The Revolutionists
Tipping Point Theatre has continued to produce one incredible show after another, with The Revolutionists as a stellar way to end the season. This is a show everyone should see, as its message is important and its delivery is incredible. The creative team, along with the actors on stage, understand just how important a story such as The Revolutionists is and are using their voices to speak volumes, much like the characters they’re bringing to life.
The Revolutionists runs at Tipping Point Theatre through June 28th, so get your tickets now before this show is gone! Have you seen the show? Share your thoughts on social media and tag @bsb.insider to continue the conversation!
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