Arts & Culture

Historical drama can be riveting, and the stories throughout time that have been converted into compelling performances are endless. However, conducting one of these performances as a one-man show takes skill and serious ‘cohunes’.

Performed by Tim Hardy (RSC), The Trials of Galileo highlights the dramatic events and tragedy surrounding Galileo’s trial after he found unquestionable proof that the planets revolve around the sun. His discoveries were crushed by a 17th century church so outraged they ordered him to stand trial on charges of heresy and the performance tells how he misjudged the politics and thinking of the time.

In 1610, Galileo published his Starry Messenger, leading to his promotion of the heliocentric theory of Nicolaus Copernicus: that the Earth revolves around the Sun, rather than the thinking of the time, which held our planet as the centre of all things.

In promoting this theory, Galileo angered the church and entered into a deadly game of politics with cardinals that were experts of the art. As a scientist, he tried to claim neutrality and proof over faith, but ultimately was sentenced to house arrest until his death.

The performance is framed by these trials, and play out Galileo’s almost child like innocent belief that he could argue the truth of his findings against those more interested in political standing over the populace.

A thoroughly interesting subject matter, and an innovative and highly acclaimed actor logically lead to an outstanding performance, and will be held at Oxford’s Playhouse on 7-9 January.

For tickets visit: www.oxfordplayhouse.com