Horace

Rome and Alba are on the verge of escalating armed conflict. War can be long and devastating. Politicians therefore decide that the winners will be determined by a duel. Two families have to face each other, so far united by bonds of love and friendship. What's with that? A Roman is not allowed to mourn his enemies. What if the enemy is a sister? Can patriotism and crime go hand in hand, and can love be punished, as for treason?

“Horace” is a story about how war destroys feelings and loses people in the name of false values, equated with the interest of the state. It's a play about politics that usually oversteps politicians and pushes them to ruthlessly manipulate citizens. It is also a piece that asks the question of the essence of patriotism: is Horace a hero? And if it is not? Who will decide that? Who will judge how much honor is worth in a confrontation with politics?

*** “Massive Oscillations” by Wacław Zimpel, courtesy of Ongehoord.