Children of the Sun - theatre

Show & Culture

Following Anton Chekhov’s Ivanov (25 • 26), Myriam Muller, associate artist at the Théâtres de la Ville, directs Maxime Gorky’s The Children of the Sun this season, adapting it to explore today’s social debates. The play focuses on the idealistic scientist Protassov, who is devoted to a visionary project: transcending the limits of humanity in order to establish a new society. Mired in his experiments and theoretical discussions with his artist and scientist friends, he remains deaf to the rumblings of revolt and the cholera epidemic sweeping through the city. Written by the author in prison during the 1905 Russian Revolution, this play explores, not without humour, the question of the role of intellectuals and our collective responsibilities in the face of societal crises. Surrounded by her trusted collaborators, Myriam Muller transposes it to a shared artists’ flat in an undefined major city shaken by a popular revolt. The protagonists reflect, seethe and tear each other apart while discussing art and politics, but remain disconnected from the social reality of the streets.