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It’s True, It’s True, It’s True

Breach

— ,The Pit
three women triumphantly sing

This gripping dramatisation of a 1612 rape trial brought by the gifted painter Artemisia Gentileschi roars down the ages centuries after it shocked Renaissance Rome.

When Agostino Tassi, the pope’s favourite artist, was accused of raping 15-year-old Gentileschi, the ensuing seven-month case was widely publicised. It’s True, It’s True, It’s True interweaves jaw-dropping court transcripts with history, myth, contemporary insight and moments of satire to ask: how much has really changed? Filled with ire and using modern language, the devised show shines a spotlight on a remarkable woman who went on to triumph through her art. 


With three female actors interchanging roles on a set that at times suggests a courtroom, at others an artist’s studio, the story is driven by a soundtrack that contrasts punk and baroque music. Including reenactments of Gentileschi’s celebrated biblical paintings, Breach’s visceral play has won Scotsman Fringe First and Stage Edinburgh Awards.

Tagged with: Theatre & dance New Theatre and Dance shows

1 hour 5 mins, no interval
Age guidance 14+ (nudity, some strong language, some violence and sexual violence. More Information)

Performances on 2 & 7 April, BSL interpreted by Harri McKenzie-Donovan

Captioned performance and post-show talk, Mon 6 Apr
The talk is free to same-day ticket holders

Relaxed performance, Tue 7 Apr
See the Relaxed performance tab for details. 

Presented by the Barbican. Originally commissioned by New Diorama Theatre. It’s True, It’s True, It’s True was created using a devising process with the cast and verbatim material.

Creative team

Billy Barrett, Ellice Stevens Writers
Billy Barrett Director
Dorothy Allen-Pickard Dramaturgy
Luke W Robson Set Design
Kitty Hawkins Costumes
Lucy Adams Lighting

Performers

Kathryn Bond
Sophie Steer
Ellice Stevens

Reviews

‘Feels uneasily current … deeply powerful‘
Financial Times
‘Breach dramatises a 1612 rape trial, to devastating effect‘
Time Out

How is this performance relaxed?

A Relaxed performance is ideal for those who would benefit from a more informal approach to noise and movement in the auditorium, or would feel more at ease knowing they could enter and exit freely. 

For this production:

  • A member of the Front of House team will lead a pre-show welcome talk.
  • The Front of House team are briefed on providing an more informal service and relaxing the standards in regard to audience behaviour during the performance.
  • Latecomer and re-admittance points will be relaxed to allow people to leave and re-enter the auditorium more freely. 
  • The performers are briefed about Relaxed performances, and know that you may need to move around and make noise.
  • A quiet chill out space is provided with comfortable seating.

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