Scenes from an Execution

Scenes from an Execution is a play by the English playwright Howard Barker.

The original text

The plot revolves around a female artist's struggles against the Venetian city-state in the aftermath of the Battle of Lepanto (1571). Although the city commissions the painting to celebrate the victory over the Turks, the artist's vision differs dramatically from that of the Doge and the Catholic Church. The play has been described as "Barker's most famous and accessible play". Originally a radio play for the BBC in 1984, the stage version was first performed in 1990 at the Almeida Theatre in London with Glenda Jackson.

Translations and adaptations

Performance history in South Africa

1993: Performed at the Market Theatre, directed by Clare Stopford, with Dawid Minnaar, Camilla Waldman, set designed by Nadya Cohen. The production received several national Vita Awards, 1993-1994.

1994: The Market Theatre Company presented the play at the Market Theatre's main theatre from 9 July to 27 August 1994, produced by Michael Maxwell, directed by Clare Stopford with Aletta Bezuidenhout (Galactia), Gary d'Alessandro (Carpeta), Michael Richard (Urgentino), Frantz Dobrowsky (Suffici; Ostensible), Camilla Waldman (Rivera; Supporta), Ron Smerczak (Prodo; Pastaccia; Man in cell; A sailor), Jennifer Woodburne (Dementia; Sordo), Bruce Laing (Lasagne; Official; Gaoler; A sailor). Set designer Nadya Cohen, costume designer Sue Steele, lighting designer Michael Maxwell, sound designer Dean Pitman.