Amadeus

Amadeus – Created by Peter Shaffer – Directed by Simon Futty14th – 18th January – Selgiman Theatre, Chapter Arts Centre. Tickets on sale soon! 

At Salieri’s death in 1825 rumour was rife that Salieri had poisoned Mozart out of jealousy and spite. In fact this was entirely fabricated – the result of musical factions at the Viennese Court splitting down ethnic lines: the Italians vs the Germans. It IS true that Mozart claimed he had been poisoned as he lay dying – but he never named Salieri. It IS true that Salieri tried and failed to commit suicide but he never accused himself of murdering Mozart.

Thanks to Shaffer’s play and subsequent film, Salieri has become a watchword for mediocrity and jealousy. The theme is slightly different and Peter Hall, the play’s first play at the National Theatre in 1979, sums it up in his diaries:

‘Salieri accuses God for not making him a genius, vows to serve Him, is betrayed by God, takes him on, has a number of combats with Him, and is, as all men must be, finally defeated.’