It is 1794 and the French Revolution has reached its climax. The monarchy has fallen and as the reign of terror covers the country in blood, George Jacques Danton begins to doubt and question the violence he and his movement has unleashed. When Danton challenges Maximilien Robespierre, the fellow revolutionaries and former friends become bitter foes, one calling for comprise, the other for ideological purity. The fate of France hangs in the balance as the two young leaders debate over the soul of their nation, the guillotine the loser’s reward. Written in just five weeks when the playwright was 22 years old, Georg Büchner created the “greatest political tragedy ever written” and its impact on the modern theatrical form is undebated.
Part of Quintessence Theatre's Shout Into the Void virtual play reading series. During the run-up to this year's election, Quintessence Theatre presents a new reading each week of a classic play that explores power, politics, and prejudice. Streaming live Monday, November 2nd at 7pm EST. The recording will be available through Friday, November 6th at 10pm EST, so watch when you like!
