Scenes from an Execution
National Theatre (Lyttelton)
Performance: Tuesday 23rd October 2012
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 patron’s demands and the artist’s autonomy.
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 patron’s demands and the artist’s autonomy.
Scenes from an Execution is a very interesting play. Fiona Shaw is simply amazing as Galactia who is such a complex and inspirational character. However as I tried to find my way out of the National Theatre (a very confusing place) I realised that I felt something was missing. Scenes from an Execution failed to draw me in and make me care, therefore leaving me feeling completely underwhelmed.
Hildegard Bechtler's design of the show is outstanding. With this production she proves that sometimes less can indeed be more as the overall design of the show was simple yet effective.
Fiona Shaw gives a masterclass in acting so for that that reason I advice any aspiring actors to take advantage of the National Theatre's half price discount on tickets for those who are under 18. Tim McInnerney also gave a stand out performance and provided some much needed light relief as Urgentino.
I think one of the main problems with Scenes from an Execution is the plays length. It was the longest two hours and forty-five minuets of my life. I noticed a few people did not return after the interval which was a shame as the second half was slightly more exciting than the first.
Unfortunately I cannot recommend this show but why not go and see it for yourself so you can make up your own mind...
Visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/scenes-from-an-execution to find out more and to book tickets.
Visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/scenes-from-an-execution to find out more and to book tickets.
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