Brian Cox stars as Johann Sebastian Bach in the U.S. premiere of The Score at Shakespeare Theatre Company.
The Score, written by Oliver Cotton, is a historical drama exploring the ideological clash between composer Johann Sebastian Bach and King Frederick II of Prussia. Set in spring 1747, the play follows Bach’s reluctant visit to Frederick’s court, where the king presents him with a musical puzzle. Bach must navigate the challenge of creating art under the pressures of tyranny while maintaining his moral integrity ctheaterarts.org+2. The production examines the tension between artistic freedom and political power, offering a gripping portrait of one of history’s most celebrated composers.
- This marks the U.S. premiere of the play, following its original production at Theatre Royal Bath and a West End run (dctheaterarts.org+1)
