A new spirit of philosophy is growing in 12th-century France. At the forefront is the brilliant Peter Abelard, a man of great learning, independence of mind, and sensuality. He starts a war of ideas with the powerful Abbot Bernard of Clairvaux, the priest of medieval mysticism and austerity. But when Abelard starts a wild affair with his equally brilliant but disastrously-connected student Heloise, his enemies find just the pretext to destroy him.

 

Through the joy and suffering of one of the greatest love stories of the Middle Ages, Howard Brenton’s In Extremis explores the relationships between logic and religion, and faith and love.

 

Directed by Louise Blackstock, this is the New Zealand premiere of In Extremis and features a great cast of Hamilton’s brightest talent, including Brendan West, Ajsha Trebilco, Henry Ashby, Mark Houlahan, Mike Taylor, Bronwyn Williams, David Taylor and Joshua Drummond.