Travel Tip: Pop Culture and Cinema in England
Damned by Despair

Tirso de Molina: Damned by Despair
in a new version by Frank McGuinness
Bijan Sheibani, director

Obsessed with his own salvation, the saintly 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. And yet, even as their villainous crimes escalate, the possibility of redemption hovers over the two men, perhaps within reach.

17th century Naples and gang culture collide spectacularly in Damned by Despair, a Spanish classic brought to life in vivid modern language by Frank McGuinness.

Cast

Sebastian Armesto (Paulo)
Bertie Carvel (Enrico)
Amanda Lawrence (The Devil)
Simon Yadoo (Governor of Naples)
Okezie Morro (Roderigo)
Leanne Best (Celia)
Jonathan Jaynes (Prison Governor)
Michael Grady-Hall (Lisandro)
Ashley Chin (Escalante)
Pierce Reid (Octavio)
Dwane Walcott (Cherinos)
Members of the Ensemble

Set Designer: Giles Cadle
Costume Designer: Moritz Junge
Lighting Designer: Jon Clark
Video Designer: Finn Ross