You have to be tough to be kind. Thats what Ive learned from you; Granddad. Tough and fearless and strong. So thats what Im going to be.Naples; 1606. Inside an unfinished church; a painting is emerging from the darkness. The Seven Acts of Mercy is Caravaggios masterpiece - and his first painting since he killed a man and fled Rome. As the artist works; he is fueled 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 boys 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 Lustgartens visceral play confronts the dangerous necessity of compassion; in a world where it is in short supply. The Seven Acts of Mercy received its world premiere at the Swan Theatre; RSC; on 24 November 2016.
2016-12-01File Name: B01N1SUWWR
Review