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A Russian journalist published a political bombshell at the peak of the Cold War in 1979 when he claimed he had transcribed Dmitri Shostakovich's memoirs. It shattered his image as “a loyal son of the Communist party” by describing his embittered hatred of Soviet power and his denial of Communism. Soviet authorities reacted by vehemently attacking its authenticity. In A Model for Mankind Shostakovich's confidant of 50 years is arrested and pressured to give evidence to reaffirm that the composer was a devoted Soviet supporter. He reveals Shostakovich as a man who lived for love, friendship and his art, who struggled to maintain a normal life under Stalin's rule. As the Communist regime intensified, his work was increasingly controlled by censorship and he faced agonising choices. Based on the life and times of one of the greatest composers of the twentieth century; a new play that explores the conflict of personal morality against artistic ambition, friend against friend and memory against history. World Premiere| 27 Mar 10 to 17 Apr 10 | Cock Tavern Theatre Outer London, Greater London Performance Details => Venue archive |
