Bathsheba, or The State

Bathsheba, or The State is a dramatic retelling of the biblical story of David and Bathsheba.  At the outset David is an exceptional king, devoted to justice and mercy, but his desire for Bathsheba makes him act more and more like other rulers. The symbol and instrument of his transformation is Gershom, an Israelite who has served the Pharaoh of Egypt for many years and who wants to make Israel a great nation in the Egyptian style.  After the adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, David must pick up the pieces of his life and of his reign.