One prominent play depicting the French Revolution is Thermidor, a four-act dramatic work penned by the 19th-century French playwright Victorien Sardou. This play specifically illuminates the events surrounding the Thermidorian Reaction.
Exploring Victorien Sardou's Thermidor
Thermidor immerses its audience in a critical juncture of the French Revolution: the Thermidorian Reaction of July 27, 1794 (9 Thermidor, Year II, in the French Republican Calendar). This historic revolt marked the downfall of Maximilien Robespierre and the end of the radical phase known as the Reign of Terror.
Sardou, a master of historical drama, crafted Thermidor as one of seven plays he dedicated to the tumultuous era of the French Revolution. His works often brought historical figures and events to life with dramatic flair, offering contemporary audiences a vivid portrayal of the past.
Here are some key details about the play:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Title | Thermidor |
| Playwright | Victorien Sardou |
| Genre | Four-act dramatic play |
| Historical Setting | The French Revolution, specifically the Thermidorian Reaction (July 27, 1794) |
| Significance | One of seven plays by Sardou focusing on the French Revolution |
The Historical Backdrop: The Thermidorian Reaction
The Thermidorian Reaction was a pivotal moment characterized by a parliamentary revolt that ultimately led to the execution of Robespierre and other prominent figures of the Committee of Public Safety. This period signaled a shift away from the extreme measures of the Reign of Terror and towards a more moderate, though still volatile, political landscape in France. Sardou's play captures the intense political intrigue and human drama of these events, reflecting the anxieties and aspirations of the time.
To learn more about this specific play, you can visit the Thermidor (play) Wikipedia page.
