Damned By Despair at National Theatre: Olivier Theatre

Damned by Despair, written in 1635 by Spanish dramatist Tirso de Molina, is brought to life in a new version by Frank McGuinness. Obsessed with his own salvation, the hermit Paulo dedicates himself to ten years of prayerful penance. When his faith wavers, the ever-watchful Devil seizes the moment to convince him that he shares the fate of one Enrico, a notorious Neapolitan gangster destined for damnation. Swearing vengeance, Paulo lashes out against God and assembles a band of rival outlaws,