Overview

This powerful play of rape, incest and fratricide derives from the biblical story of King David's eldest son's passion for his half sister. Intertwined with the saga of family disintegration is a portrait of the aged king. His towering reputation as conqueror, lover and poet musician can no longer sustain him and, like Lear, he must learn to be nobody and see his love and pride turn to ashes. Published in Calderon de la Barca: 6 Plays.