Paris Commune

The Civilians present Paris Commune a workshop production of their new piece using the cabaret form and actual songs from the period to stage the 1871 revolution of Paris – the first socialist revolution in Europe. On March 18, 1871, a sudden uprising propels the Commune into power, sending the government fleeing to Versailles. During the brief 73 days of its existence, the Commune attempts to radically restructure society. Everything is brought into question – the rights of women, religion, and even whether or not bakers should be forced to labor at night. There are many different opinions on the merits of the Commune. The army’s repression of the Commune remains one of the most ruthless and horrific episodes of modern history.