Landscape with Weapon
A Deep Dive into Moral Conflict and Responsibility
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published:29th Mar '07
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This play examines the moral dilemmas faced by an inventor of military technology, showcasing the conflict between personal ambition and societal responsibility in Landscape with Weapon.
In Landscape with Weapon, the narrative unfolds around Ned, a brilliant inventor who has developed a groundbreaking military technology. This innovation, while heralded as a revolution in warfare, brings with it a heavy burden of moral conflict. As Ned grapples with the implications of his creation, he finds himself at odds with his own values, leading to a profound exploration of public responsibility and the ethics of technological advancement. The play delves into the psychological turmoil that accompanies such a significant breakthrough, highlighting the tension between personal ambition and societal impact.
The story takes a darker turn when the Ministry of Defence lays claim to Ned's intellectual property. This demand forces him to confront the reality of his invention's potential consequences, igniting a fierce internal struggle. As he navigates this complex landscape, Ned's journey becomes a poignant commentary on the nature of power, accountability, and the often-unseen ramifications of innovation. The audience is left to ponder the cost of progress and the moral dilemmas faced by those who create in the name of security.
Landscape with Weapon premiered at the National Theatre in March 2007, showcasing Joe Penhall's masterful storytelling and sharp wit. The play serves as a powerful reminder of the ethical responsibilities that accompany technological advancements, making it a relevant and thought-provoking piece for contemporary audiences. Penhall's previous works, including the acclaimed Blue/Orange, set a high standard that this play continues to uphold.
'Penhall turns the theatre into a debating chamber in Roger Michell's tense, terrific production. The debate is electrifyingly charged in the performances of Tom Hollander and Julian Rhind-Tutt as the two brothers... ...This is an important and bracing intellectual drama that brilliantly humanises a moral conundrum.' Sunday Express 'Intriguing new play about the moral and psychological implications of the arms trade...Penhall shows a subtle feel for the big issues in small settings.' Daily Mail 'Fascinating... constantly subtle and engaging...Hollander gives an extraordinary portrait of myopic preoccupation and subsequent unravelling. Julian Rhind-Tutt is magnetic, beautifully light verbally and physically...Their relationship, finely steered by Roger Michell, solders the play together and makes a crisis into a drama.' Observer 'Joe Penhall's gift for dramatising uncomfortable arguments is again apparent in his powerful new play about the arms industry and the moral responsibility of the scientist. Roger Michell's production does justice to its lithe intelligence, emotional pain and rueful humour. Tom Hollander is excellent... The ending is bleakly beautiful.' Independent, Critics' Choice 'Riveting...bitterly funny play in which [Penhall] sets the aesthetic world of the creator against the harsh realities of politics. It's a series of debates in which the emotions run deep as the ideas...Penhall has a terrific ability to explore moral conundrums dramatically...hones in on the argument with accuracy and force' 5 STARS / SHOW OF THE WEEK / CRITICS' CHOICE #1 Jane Edwardes, Time Out
ISBN: 9780713688054
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 6mm
Weight: 88g
96 pages