Complicite

Mikhail Bulgakov's rich, magical realist novel with its intertwining storylines pits the power of evil against the power of compassion. The Devil pays a visit to Stalinist Moscow in the guise of a professor of black magic and wreaks havoc in the city, exposing the hypocrisy, greed and corruption of its citizens. Themes of love, compassion and the quality of mercy are explored in parallel stories that move between the fervently atheistic Moscow of the 1930s and Jerusalem at the time of Procurator Pontius Pilate during the last days of Jesus’ life.

Bulgakov worked on The Master and Margarita for twelve years and it was published posthumously in 1967, quickly acquiring cult status. The enigmas at the heart of this poetic maelstrom of a novel remain timeless and prescient, affirming Bulgakov's place as one of Russia's greatest 20th century writers.

The Master and Margarita is directed by Simon McBurney and features an ensemble cast from many of Complicite's landmark productions, with set design by award-winning Es Devlin who designed the closing ceremony for the London 2012 Olympic Games.