Presented by the Joburg Theatre and Sibikwa Arts Centre, 1789 is an innovative cutting-edge performance about Liberty, Equality and Fraternity – ideals that we still strive for and current ideologies with which we grapple. An immersive performance, inviting the audience to be part of the action, the production stays true to the original work of commentary and satire developed by Ariane Mnouchkine and the Théâtre du Soleil in the early 1970s.
Named for the year of the French Revolution, the production transports its audience to the tumultuous streets of Paris – a country in turmoil on the brink of revolution. A gripping production of resilience and rebellion, the play follows the journey of a range of citizens and their rise against an oppressive regime in the quest for Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. Exploring notions of revolution, constitution, and power, the play highlights issues around capitalism, elitism, greed, and the corruption of toxic and hypocritical leadership.
The production is performed in English by a cast of 19 actors, co-directed by acclaimed theatre-makers Phyllis Klotz and Smal Ndaba, with vocal and movement coaching by Joel Zuma and Toni Morkel, respectively. The 18th-century French-styled costumes and Parisian scenography surrounding five wooden stages are designed by Wilhelm Disbergen. DM