The trial of Lucullus
By: Bertolt Brecht ; translated by H.R. Hays
Contributors: Hays, H. R. (Hoffman Reynolds), 1904-1980, translator; Brecht, Bertolt, 1898-1956
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Published: 2013
Place of publication: London]
Language: eng
Work titles: Verhr̈ des Lukullus
Description: When the Roman general and politician Lucullus dies, we witness his trial by jury, who will decide whether he takes his place among the heroes in the Elysium fields, or whether he shuffles through the shadows in the darkness of Hades' halls. Allowed to defend himself, Lucullus calls forth witnesses to his great militaristic victories, including conquering the far east for Rome, only for the jury and judge to point out the human loss in each case. Ultimately, those characteristics in himself that he saw as irrelevant are his only graces, while the greatness with which he had gilded his reputation is reduced only to the charge sheet which may condemn him. 'The Trial of Lucullus' was a radio play first broadcast in May 1940.
Notes: Previously issued in print: in Collected plays four. London: Methuen Drama, 2003.

Translated from the German.