Terror is the Order of the Day, a powerful new work by noted author Ben Heineman, dramatizes one of the most tumultuous, violent and consequential periods in modern world history: the two years of the French Revolution from the dethronement, trial and execution of the King, Louis XVI, through the founding of the Republic, the imposition of the Great Terror and the execution of Robespierre. The production, staged at the Flea Theater in New York City and directed by the internationally acclaimed Tea Alagic, is a societal tragedy where a revolutionary democracy descends into revolutionary dictatorship. The Revolution's noble aspirations are transformed into death and destruction often driven by mass insurrections, and the State imposes order through violence and murder masquerading as law.
Through intense confrontations, momentous debates and stirring speeches, the play is also an "ensemble" tragedy where the chaos, confusion and conflict of France after the end of the monarchy reveal the tragic flaws of key Revolutionaries. Their ideas, friendships, hatreds, fears, prejudices and conspiracies lead to their deaths. In addition to the execution of the King and Queen, the play focuses on the Revolution devouring its children—with stirring portraits of Danton, Desmoulins, Robespierre, Saint-Just, Brissot, Madame Roland, Hebert and Marat.
The high moral, political, social, economic and legal drama of the Revolution, as portrayed in Terror, forever altered history and has special resonance in today's challenging political culture.
