IT is 1616 and a great scientist faces the dreaded Catholic inquisition - does he betray his life's work and his friend's trust? Does he submit to the authoritarian regime that would suppress the evidence of their own eyes, rather than risk upsetting their power base?
This is the dilemma that faces Galileo Galilel after his discovery that the earth revolves around the sun: and the theme of this remarkable play by Bertold Brecht, arguably the 20th century's greatest playwright.
The Life of Galileo is one of his most entertaining and accessible plays brought to the Queen's Hall, Narberth, by the Fluellen Theatre Company on Tuesday, April 29.
With the present threat of chemical warfare, the application of genetically modified crops wreaking havoc with the environment, and human genetic engineering raising difficult moral questions, there has never been a better time to see this play. It remains the most searching examination of the ethics of science that has ever been written. Far from being a dry academic argument, the play has Brecht's wry humour and powerful writing which touches on contemporary themes with panache.
Swansea-based Fluellen Theatre have already performed the play at Swansea Grand Theatre and Brecon theatre to enthusiastic reviews, especially George Andrews in the lead role and a cast of Wales' best actors directed by Derek Cobley.
Tickets can be booked by calling (01834) 861212 or 869323.