Toby Stephens holds his own as Danton

If, like me, you are not a history buff then you might be put off the idea of sitting through a play about the French Revolution but let me put your reservations to rest. Mr Toby Stephens deftly brings to life (in full shouting, spitting form) the complexities of a historical period rife with bloodshed and politics. Son of Dame Maggie Smith and the late Sir Robert Stephens, he undoubtedly has theatre in his DNA, but Stephens’ unique stage presence stands alone. Danton’s Death provides ample scope for his notoriously effortless swagger and with the formidable acoustics of the Olivier Theatre, Stephens’s evident comfort walking the boards is enviable. As the irrepressible Georges Danton, creator of the Revolutionary Tribunal, he storms and rages for the Revolution; a true leader among his comrades seemingly both on and off stage.

Danton’s Death is the sole existing complete play written by Georg Büchner who died tragically of typhus aged only 23. His other, more famous piece is Woyzeck which unfortunately exists only as a fragment but is performed frequently regardless. Rewritten by Howard Brenton, the play documents the political battles waged within the forces of the Revolution as the once allied Maximilien Robespierre and Georges Danton take violently opposed stances on how to pursue the revolution.

Combining a strange elated optimism with the desperation of the political situation, Brenton succinctly captures the realities of 18^th century France as the characters are forced to search their souls for moral answers. Danton and his comrades deliberate the price of standing their ground, weighing up the consequences for themselves as individuals and for the wider good. As such the drama depicts intense personal battles as the characters are forced to test the force of their courage, their faith and their love of life. Will they have the strength to pursue their heroic endeavors to the end? The sub plot brings love to the foreground as each of Danton and his comrades must struggle with separation from their respective wives and lovers. It is the subtle realism of these relationships that brings the issues of loss and bravery into a relevant present.

Throughout the drama, tension builds unrelentingly as court rows rage, oratorical fireworks explode from both sides and the final scene provides an unforgettable climax. Lasting just short of two hours, this play is the perfect length for the working week; a rapid shot of culture and history which confronts the menial pressures of everyday life, forcing a sharp redress of perspective. This play is certainly one for those seeking escapism or a jolt from working monotony, albeit not one for the faint hearted…

Danton’s Death plays at the Olivier Theatre until October 14th.

A claim to be the greatest political tragedy ever written…