Play: Lauren Gunderson's The Revolutionists

The Revolutionists will not be televised. It will be dramatized—by Violet Surprise Theatre, whose mission is to vibrantly validate the voices of women.

Written by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Iris Sowlat, The Revolutionists is a hysterical and historical (or, more accurately, herstorical) play that invites audiences to experience the French Revolution from a female perspectivce.

So don’t pardon our French. Pardon our Frenchwomen and their très merciless treatment during the Reign of Terror.

Guests are invited to a reception following the performance where they’ll have the opportunity to speak with the cast and director, enjoy a glass of complimentary French wine, and mix and mingle with their fellow history buffs and theater enthusiasts.

Doors at 6:00 p.m. Performance at 6:30. Please enter via 54 W Chicago Ave. Reception to follow. Non-alcoholic options will be available.

Content advisory: The Revolutionists contains profanity and stylized on-screen violence and is appropriate for audiences ages 13 and up.

About the Playwright

By Career Girls, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=94830082

Lauren Gunderson has been one of the most produced playwrights in America since 2015. She is a two-time winner of the Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award for I and You and The Book of Will, the winner of the Lanford Wilson Award, and the winner of the William Inge Distinguished Achievement in Theatre Award. She lives in San Francisco.

About the Director

Iris Sowlat is a Chicago-based theatre director with an MFA in Theater Directing from University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Iris’ work examines socially relevant issues seen through unexpected lenses in order to foster moments of revelation for both the characters and the audience. She works to create a perspective that cuts right to the heart and soul of the material at hand.

About Violet Surprise Theatre

Violet Surprise Theatre vibrantly & valiantly validates queer women, trans women, & non-binary folx.

Getting Here

The Alliance Française de Chicago is one block from the CTA Red line stop at Chicago Avenue. Best bus routes are the 22 on Clark and the 66 on Chicago Avenue. A Divvy station is located in front of the 54 W Chicago Ave entrance.

Parking Information

$10 for 12 hours at 100 W Chestnut St. Validation is available at reception.

Photography Notice

Please be advised that students, members, and attendees at cultural events or programs may be photographed, and these images may be used for marketing purposes.