Badass, Bold, and Beheaded: The Revolutionists
“Sometimes a revolution needs a woman’s touch.”
International City Theatre (ICT) is set to present a riotous, sharp-tongued makeover of France’s Reign of Terror with Lauren Gunderson’s The Revolutionists. Running from June 12 through June 28, this irreverent, girl-powered comedy follows four historical women who “lose their heads” (both literally and figuratively) while attempting to beat back extremist insanity in 1793 Paris.
Directed by Jamie Torcellini, the production centers on an unlikely quartet of “chosen sisters”: assassin Charlotte Corday (Sarah Pierce), former queen Marie Antoinette (Lyndsi LaRose), Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle (Nondumiso Tembe), and the real-life feminist pioneer Olympe de Gouges (Amie Farrell).
The play is deeply rooted in the real-life legacy of de Gouges, a political activist best known for authoring the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Female Citizen. Her fierce advocacy for abolitionism and women’s rights eventually led to her arrest and execution by guillotine during the height of the Revolution.
This production moves beyond traditional theater to show that art is a powerful political act, serving as a mirror where the past and present reflect one another. It explores the intersection of “art and activism,” illustrating how creative expression becomes a vital tool for those seeking to “shape history” and “fight for change”. By highlighting the “striking similarities” between 1793 and modern America—from drowning national debt and institutional racism to the ongoing quest for women’s equality—the story demonstrates that the struggles of the past are very much alive today.
Ultimately, this “grander story about stories” examines why we must create art in times of crisis, proving that storytelling is the essential bridge that connects eras and gives a voice to those determined to change the world. ICT artistic director caryn desai describes the work as a “bold, irreverent—and very funny—exploration of the power of women to shape history,” noting that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, individuals can still make their voices heard.
Creative team
The creative team features set designer Mio Okada-Nuñez, lighting designer Donna Ruzika, costume designer Kim DeShazo, sound designer Hunter Moody, and prop designer Patty Briles.
Performance Details:
- Dates: June 12 – June 28 (Thursdays–Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m.).
- Previews: June 10 and June 11 at 7:30 p.m..
- Location: Beverly O’Neill Theater at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, 330 East Seaside Way, Long Beach, CA.
- Tickets: Ranging from $44 (previews) to $59 (opening night and Sunday matinees).
For more information or to purchase tickets, call (562) 436-4610 or visit InternationalCityTheatre.org
