An ambitious adaptation of Russell Hoban's metaphysical fantasy novel set against the 11th Century Christian Crusades.
Pilgermann is hounded out of his town after sleeping with the wife of the tax-collector in the house on Keinjudenstrasse, the mob castrating him before throwing him out into the wilderness. We follow him on his ensuing metaphysical journey, and meet dozens of grotesques along the way from the syphilitic Pope Urban II, instigator of the violent crusades to a sexually obsessed anthropomorphic pig. Throughout his journey, Pilgermann is plagued by Schwester Pförtnerin, the shadow of death towards which his journey leads him...
A stunningly visual production created by a partly professional, partly non-professional production team and cast, this had unparalleled scope and vision for a production of its kind.
"a lurid and disturbing play, but Pilgermann's Arabian Nights-style adventure make a fantastic visual spectacle."
Antonia Donajgrodzka, Yorkshire Post
"awesome in its magnitude ... [the construction of] an enormous geometric pavement [is] one of the most potent coups de theatre of the evening"
I.S., Guardian
For information on current work at West Yorkshire Playhouse, go to: www.wyp.co.uk
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