The Tragedy of Thomas Hobbes

Synopsis

Set in London in 1658. England's most famous philosopher is poised to do battle with a faction of young scientists, Cromwell has closed the theatres, and talk in the coffee houses is of revolution...The Tragedy of Thomas Hobbes brings a life a period of history when science was a new theatre and philosophy became a new faith. It is a provocative and experimental journey back to a time of dead dogs, new gods, and witnessing miracles.

Our Review:

19 November 2008

This play really should have been called Robert Hooke as it's the rise and fall of the physicist that's at the true heart of the play. Billed as an examination of the clash between science and society, it concentrates on the personalities as well as the ideas that shaped them.

The overall effect resembles one of those Hollywood historical epics where famous names briefly flit on screen. For example, in the opening scene both Cromwell and John Lilburne make fleeting appearances and promptly vanish. I can see no dramatic reason why either of the characters, who could have sustained the play in their own right, is included, but it did set the tone for the evening.

It’s good to see such themes being tackled on stage – there are far too few plays that look at the impact that science has had on society - but it is far too long, perhaps director Elizabeth Freestone should have followed the lead of the experimenters and been much more ruthless with the scalpel. The last quart...

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Latest User Review

Carolin - 29 November 2008:

There were meant to be 4 stars. ...

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