The focus of attention in the scene -- set in the lavishly appointed Paris salon of the Russian exile Alexander Herzen -LRB- Brian F. O'Byrne -RRB- and his wife , Natalie -LRB- Jennifer Ehle -RRB- in 1847 -- shifts to their small son , Kolya -LRB- August Gladstone -RRB- , who is playing with a top at the edge of the stage , his back to the throng of chattering adults .