‘Les Justes’ is a 1949 play by French writer and philosopher Albert Camus. It is based on the true story of a group of Russian Socialist-Revolutionaries who assassinated the Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich in 1905, and explores the moral issues associated with murder and terrorism. In this adaptation, the terrorists are played by women, adding feminism problematics to the play.

 

The choice to let visible the materials of the stage (the concrete walls and the wooden floor) creates the underground atmosphere of the revolutionaries’ apartment. The red table in the middle delimits the space of political talks while the rest of the room is used for personal talks. On the back, under a reddish light, 2 live electronic musicians reinforce the underground vibes.

 

The costumes of the 4 terrorists are inspired by the Russian feminist punk rock group ‘Pussy Riot’. They help to create a link between them, while defining their different roles in the group (a leader, an idealist, a romantic, a violent). With is shiny suit, Skouratov, member of the secret police, evokes how politics can look like a TV show. The Grand Duchess’ role is played by 3 actresses wearing a similar mourning outfit.