QED Productions -- scenes

Scenes from an Execution, by Howard Barker

May 25-June 10, 2007
at the Hudson Guild Theatre in Chelsea

Julia Beardsley O’Brien, Micah Freedman, Elena McGhee

“Barker’s meditations on art and freedom in this play... take on new life in this wrenching production.”
–Culture Catch
read full review

Angela Jewell, Mick O’Brien, Corey Tazmania

“Scenes From an Execution... gets a sterling staging from QED Productions.”
–Back Stage
read full review

Set in 16th-century Venice, this undersung portrait of art and politics is modern in every way. At the center of the storm is a passionate painter, determined to hurl the horror of war back into the faces of the government that has commissioned her to celebrate it. In fiery, visceral language, Barker paints a timeless struggle between artistic ideals and political reality. The story finds humor, pain, joy, ugliness and beauty in an interplay between darkness and light. The play is itself subversive in its portrayal of politics subverting art. In the end, reconciliation seems possible, but it comes at a price.

		Scenes from an Execution, by Howard Barker May 25-June 10, 2007 at the Hudson Guild Theatre in Chelsea Meet the Company » Julia Beardsley O’Brien, Micah Freedman, Elena McGhee “Barker’s meditations on art and freedom in this play... take on new life in this wrenching production.” –Culture Catch read full review Angela Jewell, Mick O’Brien, Corey Tazmania “Scenes From an Execution... gets a sterling staging from QED Productions.” –Back Stage read full review Set in 16th-century Venice, this undersung portrait of art and politics is modern in every way. At the center of the storm is a passionate painter, determined to hurl the horror of war back into the faces of the government that has commissioned her to celebrate it. In fiery, visceral language, Barker paints a timeless struggle between artistic ideals and political reality. The story finds humor, pain, joy, ugliness and beauty in an interplay between darkness and light. The play is itself subversive in its portrayal of politics subverting art. In the end, reconciliation seems possible, but it comes at a price.