Title: Normal
Description: Anthony Neilson's 'Normal' is a gripping semi-fictional account of the real-life German serial killer Peter Kurten who, in Germany in 1931, was convicted of the murders of eight people, including several children. His defence counsel believes Kurten is insane - himself a victim of brutality. The young lawyer attempts to get to the heart of his client's psyche, to illuminate his insanity so it can be highlighted to the jury, but becomes enthralled to the charisma and warped logic of the self-confessed murderer. Wehner, an expert before the law, finds himself at a loss before life itself. 'Normal' was first performed at the Pleasance Theatre, Edinburgh in 1991.
Subjects: Drama, Trials, litigation
People: Peter Kürten (1883-1931)