1789

1789 is an improvised play by Ariane Mnouchkine (1939-)[1]

The original text

1789 enabled a young audience to participate in the story of the French Revolution which led to the present-day Republic.

First performed in French at La Cartoucherie, a former munitions factory on the outskirts of Paris, by Le Théâtre du Soleil in 1971.[2]

A second instalment, 1793, was an invitation to reflect on the last days of the Revolution.

In 1974 the piece was filmed as a documentary about the play 1789 by Theatre du Soleil at La Cartoucherie de Vincennes.[3], directed by the author.

1981: Opened at the People's Space, produced by the Pennywhistle Theatre Company Monday 16 November 1981.

1989: Directed by Christopher Weare at the Little Theatre's Hiddingh Hall for the University of Cape Town Drama Department from 20 May to 3 June 1989.

2023: Performed by the Sibikwa Arts Centre from 11 – 23 July, in association with the French Institute of South Africa and Théâtre du Soleil and directed by Phyllis Klotz and Smal Ndaba, with movement direction by Toni Morkel, musical direction by Lehlogonolo 'Bapi' Musa and Bongiwe Musa, and designs by Wilhelm Disbergen. The cast included Joel Zuma, Mlindeli Zondi, Nomsa Mbatha, Khanyisile Ngwabe, Siphiwe Nkabinde, Snenhlanhla Mgeyi, Masiza Mbali, and Zevangeli Mamppofu. The Sibikwa Inclusive Creative Arts Programme students join the cast in chorus, having gone through a two-week workshop facilitated by Théâtre du Soleil.