Love's Sacrifice

Struck by love at first sight, the Duke of Pavia has married the beautiful Bianca. But he's not the only one who loves her. Unknown to him, his best friend Fernando has also fallen for Bianca, and with each day that passes he finds it harder to conceal his true feelings.

While the Duke is unaware of his friend's dilemma, his sister soon realises what is happening. Racked with jealousy by her own desire for Fernando, she begins to manipulate her brother, encouraging him to act against his friend. With echoes of Shakespeare's Othello, John Ford's rarely performed play is a thrilling revenge tragedy powered by the destructive force of unrequited love.

Director Matthew Dunster makes his RSC debut. His most recent productions include Mametz (National Theatre Wales), The Lightning Child (Shakespeare's Globe) and A Midsummer Night's Dream (Regent's Park Open Air Theatre).