Just when we thought we had them all figured out, the notions of democracy, society and state have resurfaced as topics of international debate. To shed some light on these contemporary issues, Joël Pommerat revives the myth of the French Revolution, engaging actors and audience in a resolutely modern investigation of political events whose repercussions are felt to this day.

In the last few years, long-accepted notions of democracy, society and state have resurfaced as topics of international debate. In this context, Joël Pommerat continues his investigation into the values and representations that drive people to action. Probing the tenets of contemporary thought, he dissects the myth of the French Revolution and the birth of democracy. He steers well clear of historical revisionism and hero worship, focusing instead on the vibrancy of intellectual debate, the dynamics that compel men and women to take action to defend their convictions, and the energy—and exhaustion—inherent in taking and wielding power.

After several productions performed in the round or on an alley stage, Joël Pommerat returns to a simpler form that puts the emphasis back on the dynamics of physical movement and ideas. On a sprawling proscenium stage, a dozen performers deliver a contemporary interpretation of complex political events long past. Premiered at Mons 2015 in Belgium, Ça ira (1) Fin de Louis will tour extensively, as did two of Joël Pommerat’s previous works also staged at the NAC: La reunification des deux Corées and Cendrillon.