Scenes from an Execution

(Paperback)

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Commissioned to paint a vast canvas celebrating the triumphant Battle of Lepanto, the free-spirited Galactia creates instead a breathtaking scene of war-torn carnage. In her fierce determination to stay true to herself, she alienates the authorities and faces incarceration. Her younger lover Carpeta is approached to take over and seizes the assignment for himself. Howard Barker's Scenes from an Execution makes sixteenth-century Venice the setting for a fearless exploration of sexual politics and the timeless tension between personal ambition and moral responsibility, between the patrons demands and the artists autonomy. Art is opinion, and opinion is the source of all authority. This edition includes a new essay by Howard Barker, entitled The Sunless Garden of the Unconsolled: Some Destinations Beyond Catastrophe

Reviews

"Barkers work remains emotionally true, poetic psychologically and full of startling insights." The Arts Desk "A major triumph for playwright Howard Barker Theres a pugnacious tone, and a liberated style, about Barker at his best that is unlike anything else on our stages today. - WhatsOnStage A modern study of the meaning of art and the truth of war this play has a timeless power and truthfulness. The Stage Witty and insightful a highly enjoyable tour de force British Theatre Guide Accessible and stringently witty [mixes] austere intellectual rigour and knockabout, anachronistic humour. 4 stars - Independent Shows Barker's poetic talent at its most disciplined and has the feel of a contemporary classic. - 4 stars Guardian Fiercely impassioned and as subtle as a quizzically raised eyebrow, its also adorned with teasing, Blackadderish humour. 4 stars - Metro
"Barkers work remains emotionally true, poetic psychologically and full of startling insights." The Arts Desk "A major triumph for playwright Howard Barker Theres a pugnacious tone, and a liberated style, about Barker at his best that is unlike anything else on our stages today. - WhatsOnStage A modern study of the meaning of art and the truth of war this play has a timeless power and truthfulness. The Stage Witty and insightful a highly enjoyable tour de force British Theatre Guide Accessible and stringently witty [mixes] austere intellectual rigour and knockabout, anachronistic humour. 4 stars - Independent Shows Barker's poetic talent at its most disciplined and has the feel of a contemporary classic. - 4 stars Guardian Fiercely impassioned and as subtle as a quizzically raised eyebrow, its also adorned with teasing, Blackadderish humour. 4 stars - Metro

Author Bio

Howard Barker is one of the most significant and controversial dramatists of his time. His plays challenge, unsettle and expose. The energy, poetic language and imagination of his plays have fixed them firmly in the international repertoire. He is studied much at secondary and university level education.