Director Jamie Torcellini on The Revolutionists at ICT

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June 12 through June 28

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Playwright Lauren Gunderson gives France’s Reign of Terror a riotous, sharp-tongued makeover with The Revolutionists , opening June 12 at International City Theatre, directed by Jamie Torcellini . Gunderson’s idea that “sometimes a revolution needs a woman’s touch” centers around four women to be reckoned with who lose their heads (both figuratively and literally) in this irreverent, girl-powered comedy set during the French Revolution’s La Terreur . This grand and dream-tweaked comedy examines violence and legacy, art and activism, feminism and terrorism, compatriots and chosen sisters, and how we actually go about changing the world.

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I spoke with director Jamie Torcellini (pictured) about his vision for the play, what drew him to it, and how the four very different women who carry out their murderous teamwork to try and beat back the extremist insanity in 1793 Paris.

Thanks for speaking with me, Jamie. What attracts you about directing The Revolutionists , and what makes this the right project for this moment?

With everything happening in our political climate right now, it feels like our rights are being chipped away little by little. This play reminds us how important it is to find our voices, speak up, and fight back when something is unjust. That’s what makes it feel so immediate and necessary to me. It’s funny, yes, but underneath the comedy is a real call to action. I hope audiences leave feeling inspired to make some noise.

Nondumiso Tembe, Sarah Pierce , Amie Farrell and Lyndsi LaRose Photo by Jordan Gohara

The play mixes sharp comedy with serious themes like political violence, feminism and activism. How are you envisioning that tonal balance?

I think we’d be completely lost without humor. Comedy and satire are some of the most powerful weapons we have against oppression and fascism. Lauren Gunderson does such a brilliant job of making us laugh while also sneaking in these deeply emotional and political truths. The humor keeps the audience engaged, but it also makes the harder moments land even more powerfully. That balance is what makes the play so special.

The four women in the play come from very different backgrounds and perspectives, including playwright Olympe de Gouges (played by Amie Farrell ), assassin Charlotte Corday ( Sarah Pierce ), former queen and fan of ribbons Marie Antoinette ( Lyndsi LaRose ), and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle ( Nondumiso Tembe ). How are you working with the cast to build the chemistry and “ chosen sisterhood ” at the heart of the story?

Amie Farrell, Lyndsi LaRose , Sarah Pierce , Nondumiso Tembe

Sometimes brilliant casting solves a lot of that for you. Michael Donovan and Richie Ferris really understood exactly what I was hoping for with these women. Not only are they incredibly gifted actors and comedians, but there was an instant warmth and connection between them from the very first read-through. You could already feel that sisterhood forming naturally. That kind of chemistry is something you can’t fake.

Now that rehearsals having started, has your original vision of the characters expanded? How so?

I’d say it’s been enriched more than changed. It’s impossible to read this play and not feel its power deep in your bones, but hearing these actors bring the words to life has elevated everything. Every actress has brought something personal and unexpected to her role. Suddenly moments that were already strong on the page feel even more alive and urgent. It’s been incredibly exciting to watch unfold.

Sarah Pierce , Nondumiso Tembe, Lyndsi LaRose and Amie Farrell Photo by Jordan Gohara

Playwright Lauren Gunderson has said the play explores “why we need to make art” during times of crisis. How does that theme resonate with you personally as a director?

I don’t think artists always set out to make political statements, but art has the power to move people and inspire change whether we intend it or not. With everything happening in the world right now, especially in our own country, I think many of us feel a responsibility to do more. To speak up. To challenge injustice. Art can entertain us, but it can also wake us up, and that feels incredibly important right now.

This play blends historical fact with contemporary language and humor. What opportunities does that style create for you creatively?

For comedy, it’s everything. The pace, the absurdity, the quick wit — it all feels immediate and alive. The contemporary language makes these women feel accessible and relatable instead of distant historical figures. One moment you’re laughing at the sharp humor, and the next your heart breaks for them. As a director, getting to ride that emotional rollercoaster with the audience is incredibly satisfying.

Amie Farrell and Nondumiso Tembe Photo by Jordan Gohara

You’ve directed several productions at International City Theatre over the years. What makes this collaboration feel distinct from your previous work there?

Having a cast and creative team led so strongly by women has made this experience feel incredibly special. There’s a real sense of collaboration, support, and shared purpose in the room. While I’m looking at these struggles through a man’s perspective, I feel deeply honored to help lift up these voices and tell this story. It honestly feels like being welcomed into a sisterhood. That energy has shaped the entire process in a beautiful way.

What are some of the visual or stylistic ideas you are exploring with the design team (set designer Mio Okada – Nuñez , lighting designer Donna Ruzika , Costume Designer Kim DeShazo , sound designer Hunter Moody , and prop designer Patty Briles ) before the show opens?

We’ve been envisioning a world of swagged drapery, minimal furniture, and strong theatricality. The costumes are rooted in period accuracy, but we’re layering in contemporary touches throughout the wigs, costumes, and overall aesthetic. We want the audience to feel the history, but also constantly be reminded that the themes are modern and urgent. The design has this elegant but slightly dangerous energy to it. It feels both timeless and rebellious.

Nondumiso Tembe, Sarah Pierce , Amie Farrell Photo by Jordan Gohara

The French Revolution setting echoes some modern social and political tensions. How relevant do you think audiences will find the story today?

Extremely relevant. Every day we’re still fighting for women’s rights, bodily autonomy, equality, freedom, and the right to be heard. Even though the play is set during the French Revolution, so many of the conversations feel like they could be happening right now. That’s what makes the play hit so hard. History has a way of repeating itself if we stop paying attention.

When audiences leave International City Theatre after seeing this production, what conversations or emotions do you hope they carry with them?

I hope audiences leave inspired to speak up and fight back when they witness injustice or cruelty. I want people to feel empowered to make noise instead of staying silent. Not just for women, but for anyone being treated unfairly or pushed aside. At the same time, I hope they were thoroughly entertained and had a great night at the theater. If we can inspire people while also making them laugh and feel deeply, then we’ve done our job.

Anything else you would like to add about yourself or the production?

What’s brilliant about The Revolutionists is that it doesn’t treat revolution as history. It treats it as a cycle. Every generation thinks surely we’re beyond this now, and then suddenly we’re arguing again about bodily autonomy, truth, censorship, equality, who deserves power, and who gets erased. That’s why the play feels so alive right now. It’s not really about 1793. It’s about the fragility of democracy—and the necessity for hope. “We must keep telling our stories”

Thanks so much!

Thank you, Shari!

Produced by caryn desai [sic] and presented by International City Theatre, The Revolutionists runs June 12 through June 28 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Two preview performances take place on Wednesday, June 10 and Thursday, June 11 both at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $56 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, except opening night (Friday, June 12), and $59 on opening night and at Sunday matinees. Low-priced tickets to previews are $44. International City Theatre is located in Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center’s Beverly O’Neill Theater at 330 East Seaside Way, Long Beach, CA 90802. For more information and tickets, call (562) 436-4610 or go to InternationalCityTheatre.org .

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/Interview-Director-Jamie-Torcellini-of-THE-REVOLUTIONISTS-at-ICT-20260601)._