Details

Naples, 1606. Inside an unfinished church, a painting is emerging from the darkness. The Seven Acts of Mercy is Caravaggio's masterpiece - and his first painting since he killed a man and fled Rome. As the artist works, he is fuelled by anger, self-loathing and his driving need to create a work that speaks of compassion in a violent world. Bootle, the present day. A retired dock worker teaches his grandson, as around them a community is disintegrating under the pressure of years of economic and political degradation. With all he has left, a book of great works of art, he tries to open the boy's eyes to the tragedy and beauty of the life he faces. And the boy reciprocates in the only way he knows. Playing out across a gap of 400 years, Anders Lustgarten's visceral new play confronts the dangerous necessity of compassion, in a world where it is in short supply.

Cast/Performers

Joe Allen (Jimmy), Sally Bankes (Sandra), James Corrigan (Vincenzo)

Creatives/Company

Author: Anders Lustgarten
Company: Royal Shakespeare Company
Director: Erica Whyman
Design: Tom Piper
Lighting: Charles Balfour
Music: Isobel Waller-Bridge