David Hare’s Via Dolorosa comes to Theatre Royal Bath for two powerful performances

Originally performed by Hare himself, Via Dolorosa is the result of a 1997 journey through Israel and Palestine. During his time there, Hare was granted rare access to a wide range of political, religious, and cultural figures, offering him first-hand insight into the conflicts and convictions that define the region. What emerged is an unflinching and deeply personal account of a place where history, identity, and belief collide.

In this gripping 90-minute monologue, the playwright moves between Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Gaza, and Ramallah, giving voice to the individuals he met. Their diverse perspectives—at times passionate, conflicting, or deeply moving—are brought together in a drama that remains strikingly relevant nearly three decades later. It’s a journey that leaves both performer and audience emotionally spent and intellectually stirred.

This new production is presented by Chasing Rainbows, a company known for their impactful and thought-provoking theatre. Fringe audiences will recognise their previous work Looks Like We Made It during the pandemic years, as well as their 2022 staging of Yasmina Reza’s Art.

With its headline-fresh themes and theatrical force, Via Dolorosa is an unmissable evening of political theatre at its most potent.

Tickets available from the Theatre Royal Bath box office.