Details

It's a mystery that has been tantalizing historians for centuries. For a short time in 1502, Leonardo da Vinci, Niccolo Machiavelli, and Cesare Borgia (whose fight for power was a major inspiration for 'The Prince' by Machiavelli), were all living under the same roof. This comedy uses bold brushstrokes to re-imagine the interaction of these three extraordinarily charismatic and talented men. The action begins with Borgia in crisis: he longs to escape the weight of ruling, so appoints a little-known politician called Machiavelli to rule in his place. At the same time, Leonardo da Vinci decides that the pressures of the artistic life are unbearable, so he goes into politics. When Borgia disguises himself as an artist in his own court, the circle of transformation is almost complete... But the relationships between these famous men is not the only mystery. What really happened when Caterina Sforza defied Borgia's army? And why did she take a vow of silence on the subject for the rest of her life?

Cast/Performers

Haydn Gwynne (Isabella d'Este), James Corrigan (Cesare Borgia), Hannah Morrish (Lucrezia Borgia), Bethan Cullinane (Caterina Sforza), Akshay Sharan (Leonardo da Vinci), Nicholas Limm (Niccolo Machiavelli)

Creatives/Company

Author: Charles Ward
Presented by: Sotto Voco
Director: Emma Butler