PRIMO was adapted by Antony Sher from Primo Levi's monumental account of his year spent in Auschwitz, IF THIS IS A MAN. When it opened in September 2004 at the National Theatre PRIMO was instantly recognised as a major theatrical event. A work of astounding dramatic power it sheds a light on one of the darkest episodes in human history. Antony Sher's towering performance is as controlled as Primo Levi s own lucid prose. Beautifully directed by Richard Wilson and presented in Hildegard Bechtler's magnificent, symbolist set.
Acting
Antony Sher's 90-minute solo performance—every breath calculated, every silence weaponized.
Direction
Richard Wilson strips it bare: one man, one block of wood, nowhere to hide.
Production
Hildegard Bechtler's symbolist set—a single wooden block becomes universe.
Director
Richard Wilson
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Antony Sher spent years preparing, learning Italian to read Levi's original text, and performed it over 200 times.
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