A life of Galileo

'Life of Galileo' examines the tension between the pursuit of knowledge and the power of official ideology, and contains one of Brecht's most human and complex central characters. It was first performed in Zurich in 1943. As an examination of the problems that face not only the scientist but also the whole spirit of free inquiry when brought into conflict with the requirements of authority, 'Life of Galileo' has few equals. This version is translated by Mark Ravenhill.