Archived

Life Of
Galileo

By Bertolt Brecht Adapted by Tom Wright
Director Eamon Flack

  • Venue Upstairs Theatre
  • Dates 3 August – 15 September 2019
  • Duration Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes inc. interval

    “They try to flay you with statistics, whip you with numbers, hide behind the tyranny of mathematics. But I say, nothing’s hidden. Open your eyes.” – Galileo

    Brecht’s classic play of truth, lies and science hits the Belvoir stage with the redoubtable Colin Friels as the wily, pugnacious scientist. A portrait of a man who realises the entire system is based on lies – and of his backdown when the forces of money and orthodoxy threaten him.

    Has Galileo betrayed science and the future? Or has he just found a more subtle way of speaking truth to power?

    This is a classic for good reason – every page has a provocative thought to it, and the drama is pitched perfectly.

    It’s also an invigorating guide for how to navigate the age of Trump/Brexit/Putin. At its heart is one of those roles that actors live for. Colin Friels has yearned his whole life to play this part. Don’t miss it.

    Supported by the Nelson Meers Foundation

    Team

    Set and Costume Designer Zoe Atkinson
    Lighting Designer Paul Jackson
    Composer and Sound Designer Jethro Woodward
    Stage Manager Tanya Leach
    Assistant Stage Manager Bronte Schuftan

    Cast

    Ayeesha Ash
    Peter Carroll
    Colin Friels
    Laura McDonald
    Miranda Parker
    Damien Ryan
    Damien Strouthos
    Vaishnavi Suryaprakash
    Sonia Todd
    Rajan Velu

    Videos

    Rehearsal images by Brett Boardman
    Production images by Brett Boardman
    • Running Time and Content Warnings

      Running Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including interval)

      Show Warnings: Strobe Lights, Haze

      Should you wish to speak to speak to a member of staff regarding running times, content warnings or any other show related queries, our box office can be contacted on 02 9699 3444.

    • Interviews
    • Podcast

      Director Eamon Flack, along with performers Colin Friels, Sonia Todd and Vaishnavi Suryaprakash discuss the flawed and brilliant figure that was Galileo Galilei, the nature of truth and lies, and the high stakes theatre of astronomical reinvention. Podcast produced for Belvoir by Zoe Ferguson.

    • Program

      Click here to read the Life of Galileo program.

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