In 1611 John Donne was living in a restless, changing world, in which a new Bible, a new science, and a decadent court tore at longstanding loyalties and deeply-held convictions. Unceasingly protean himself, Donne lived several lives at once, writing political tracts as well as popular songs, translating the 'Song of Solomon' at the same time as translating Galileo, and finding his rise in theological circles impeded by his colourful rakish past. At various times a politician, soldier, poet, musician, lawyer, courtier, theologian and cleric; a man born into one of England's most distinguished Catholic families who would die as one of its most renowned Protestants; Donne was always becoming something new. 'Into Thy Hands' is a portrait of this fascinating, eloquent and brilliant man, and his struggle to be faithful to all parts of his body and soul. First presented in 2011 at Wilton's Music Hall as part of Jericho House's 1611 Utopia season, 'Into Thy Hands' is a play about faith, sex and the translation of the Bible.
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