Damned By Despair

Damned By Despair at National Theatre, Olivier

Why see Damned By Despair?

Obsessed with his own salvation, the hermit Paulo dedicates himself to ten years of prayerful penance. When his faith wavers, the ever-watchful Devil seizes the moment to convince him that he shares the fate of one Enrico, a notorious Neapolitan gangster destined for damnation. Swearing vengeance, Paulo lashes out against God and assembles a band of rival outlaws.

And yet, even as their villainous crimes escalate, the possibility of redemption hovers over the two men, perhaps within reach.

This fast-paced adventure story embraces bandits and beautiful women between glimpses of heaven and hell. The subversive and at times riotous exploration of faith and the transformative power of love races across the Italian landscape, relishing the unpredictability of fate, an extraordinary array of characters and their very real dilemmas.

Cast

Sebastian Armesto
Bertie Carvel
Rory Keenan
Amanda Lawrence

Creative

By Tirso de Molina in a new version by Frank McGuinness
Directed by Bijan Sheibani
Set Design by Giles Cadle
Costume Design by Moritz Junge
Lighting Design by Jon Clark
Video Design by Finn Ross
Music & Sound by Dan Jones
Movement Director, Aline David
Fight Director, Kate Waters

 

Reviews

Our review

Simple, sweet, witty

The play was based on an ancient tale with modern twists and clever humor sprinkled throughout.

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