Wednesday, February 06, 2013

Life of Galileo - Brecht

We're in Stratford-on- Avon to take in a couple of plays. This evening 'The Life of Galileo' by Brecht at the Swan Theatre.

This was a lively, heartfelt performance which showcased reason and science vs. obscurantist arguments from authority designed solely to buttress the interests of those in power. This never fails to be relevant.

Brecht makes Galileo an early Marxist (science must be in the service of the people, not the exploiters) but in truth it's not always obvious how to achieve this desirable end - ask the Party?

Once again, the Catholic Church get to be the bad guys. Has there ever been an honest, non-self-serving, intelligent drama which had Catholics genuinely as good guys?

Great acting by the team, especially by the actor playing Galileo.