Scenes From An Execution at National Theatre: Lyttelton Theatre

Though well regarded in continental Europe, British playwright Howard Barker still remains little known in his native land. This latest production of one of his best known plays may change that however, as the National Theatre presents Scenes From An Execution. Set in Venice after the Battle of Lepanto, artist Galactia is commissioned to depict the event as military triumph, but when the canvas shows war-torn carnage, she faces the wrath of her masters. Star of stage and screen (including recent appearances in True Blood and Harry Potter), Fiona Shaw takes the lead, of a play whose themes of sexual politics, artistic freedom and public responsibility are never far from the surface.