Do theatres shape revolutions? Do theatres portray revolutions? Do they bring about revolutions? Annals of history show that theatres and more particularly modern theatre have played each and every one of this role and continues to do so…
West End has set standards and followed traditions; as had most of London’s other theatres. Take the example of French Revolution. By enacting “Les Mis”, West End played as important a role in spreading the cause of French revolt as did any other ‘French loyal’ organ. Victor Hugo’s masterpiece “Les Miserable” covers a large portion of Revolutionary French history. Though it was merely Hugo’s story which the theatre staged but the cast, crew and performances were no less than the actual, bitter reality. The French Revolution brought about great changes in the society and government of France and also had extensive effects on the rest of Europe just like the staging of Les Miserable – the musical transformed the West End playlist. A quarter of a century has passed since this play was premiered and it continues to make the audience laugh, cry, tremble, and applaud, all at the same time. It concocts a simmering cauldron of emotion and leaves its viewers in awe. Continue reading
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