Slowly/Hurts Given and Received

Two new plays by Howard Barker Slowly As barbarians approach the palace of a decaying culture, four princesses debate their fate. Decorum demands suicide. But, for some, the possibility of life is all too compelling. In a culture of conformity, it may not be up to the individual to decide… Hurts Given and Received Howard Barker re-examines the creative life of the artist through one of his most fascinating and appalling creations. Provocative ideas, pungent poetic language, and savage wit build a thought-provoking allegory of the artist’s relationship with society.‘Barker, with witty, wicked glee, pricks the pomposity of the tortured artist.’ – The Times ‘Howard Barker’s new play is an ambiguous interrogation of the artistic impulse.’ – Andrzej Lukowski, Time Out London