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An Introduction to Doctor Faustus

The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus, to give it its full title, by Christopher Marlowe, was first published in 1604, at least twelve years after its first performance, although the basic story of the play is much older.

Having decided he has accumulated all he can of conventional knowledge, Doctor Faustus turns to magic in a quest for greater truths. Before long, he ends up selling his soul to the devil – the famous “Faustian pact” that has entered everyday language. Dr Faustus gradually realises his terrible mistake. He apparently repents, but finally dies, the devil coming to collect his soul, and his friends the dismembered body.

A classic that never dates

Is Doctor Faustus a tragic hero or a terrible example? It’s not clear. But with its themes of sin, Satanism, death, damnation and magic, the play naturally holds great appeal for modern students, as well as theatre lovers across the ages.

In addition, Dr Faustus is a good choice for anyone studying Shakespeare, as he and Marlowe were contemporaries. Both wrote for the same acting company and influenced each other’s work. Certainly, as an Elizabethan tragedian, Marlowe is considered second only to the great man himself. Notoriously, there are even those who believe that Marlowe actually wrote Shakespeare’s plays, his early death notwithstanding.

 

The Doctor Faustus 3 disc DVD pack contains:

  • The full length feature DVD, with optional subtitles.
  • The extras DVD, with in-depth interviews with cast and crew.
  • The Mastershot DVD showing all entrances/exits, and lighting and scenery changes.

NOT FOR RENTAL: This DVD is authorised for retail sale for private home use and for use within schools and educational organisations.

“Atmospheric… diabolically convincing… flashes of fiery poetry… directed with laudable clarity by Elizabeth Freestone.”
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Time Out
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Cast & Crew

Directed by Elizabeth Freestone

he Company

Evil Angel / Helen of Troy
Joanna Christie
Devil / Pride / Duchess of Vanholt
Amy Rockson
Vintner / Envy / Paramour
Harvey Virdi
Good Angel / Old Man
Jonathan Battersby
Wagner / Lucifer / Beelzebub
Guy Burgess
Valdes / Rafe / Devil / Covetousness
Samuel Collings
Lawman / Gluttony / Cardinal / Emperor
Mark Extance
Faustus
Gareth Kennerley
Cornelius / Robin / Lechery
Adam Redmore
Mephistopheles
Tim Treloar
Priest / Devil / Sloth / Pope / Alexander / Duke of Vanholt
Conrad Westmaas

All other parts played by members of the company

The Creative Team

Director
Elizabeth Freestone
Set and Costume Designer
Neil Irish
Lighting Designer
Wayne Dowdeswell
Sound Designer / Composer
Adrienne Quartly
Associate Director / Movement
Stuart Angell
Producers
James Haddrell and Tim Sawers
Wardrobe Supervisor
Sades Robinson
Costume Assistants
Hadar Vandar and Keeley Scothern
Dresser
Pippa Mawbey
Wig Stylist
Rebecca Jenkins
Production Manager
Peter Williams
Company Stage Manager
Penny Foxley
Deputy Stage Manager
Craig Almond
Assistant Stage Manager
Ben Brayshaw
Production Electrician
Oliver Kipling
Technical Assistant
Daniel Leman
Sound Production
Marc Cohen
Production Carpenter
Rae George

OTHER PLAYS AVAILABLE

3 Disc DVD Pack
£29.99
ex UK VAT