Dmitri Shostakovich featured in new play ‘Holy Fool’

The play ‘Holy Fool’ at the Park Theatre examines the life of Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich as he navigated the political dangers of the Soviet Union under Lenin and Stalin. Written by Rosalind Adler and Lea Sellers, the production follows the composer from 1936 to 1973, illustrating the precarious balance between artistic expression and state-mandated propaganda.

The narrative explores the volatility of Shostakovich’s reputation, moving from public acclaim to state denunciation. The production features Benjamin O’Mahony in the lead role, portraying the composer’s transition from nervous repression to a more defiant figure. The play incorporates elements of Shostakovich’s symphonies, including live piano performances, to highlight the tension between his music and the populist requirements of the Soviet regime.