Scenes from an Execution
Commissioned to immortalise a great Venetian sea battle, the artist Galactia decides to depict the brutality of war rather than the nobility of battle. Whilst the themes of an artist’s place in society and the nature of spin doctoring take precedence, it is the complex relationships that really intrigue.
Perhaps one of Barker’s more accessible plays, this new production set on a Spartan set with a vague nod towards period, features a marvellous central performance from Melanie Jessop as Galactia. Jessop’s command of the stage coupled with her passion for the text make perfect ingredients for this uncompromising role. Jessop is ably supported by a superb cast including Tom Burke as her lover and rival artist Carpeta and particularly by Laura Elphinstone as Galactia’s pragmatic daughter Supporta.
In a remarkably levelled performance Robert Goodale plays the Doge Urgentino. Here again is a masterful performance with Goodale treading the fine line between comedy and menace with practised ease.
Fluid direction from William Oldroyd ensures that the pace never falters and Signe Beckmann’s design is a perfect canvas for Barker’s colourful text.
Production information
- By:
- Howard Barker
- Management:
- Sweet Pea Productions
- Cast:
- Melanie Jessop, Oliver Birch, Tom Burke, Laura Elphinstone, Robert Goodale, Harry Hadden-Paton, Cate Hamer, Chris Kelham, David Killick, Laura Martin-Simpson, Roger Swaine
- Director:
- William Oldroyd
- Design:
- Signe Beckmann
Production information can change over the run of the show.
Run sheet
- Hackney Empire Studio London
- January 11-27 2007
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