In 16th century Florence, two of the world's greatest artists, Michelangelo Buonarroti and Leonardo da Vinci, faced off in a painting competition orchestrated by political mastermind Niccolò Machiavelli. Divine Rivalry brings to life this fascinating historical encounter, exploring the clash of artistic ideologies and political ambitions that defined the Renaissance.
This West Coast premiere at The Old Globe Theatre is a dramatic exploration of art, politics, and the timeless struggle for immortality, featuring Euan Morton as the passionate, religious Michelangelo opposite Miles Anderson's worldly, scientific Leonardo da Vinci.
Synopsis
Divine Rivalry transports audiences to 16th-century Florence, where two of the world's greatest artists, Michelangelo Buonarroti and Leonardo da Vinci, face off in a painting competition orchestrated by political mastermind Niccolò Machiavelli. This fascinating real-life contest forms the backdrop for an even greater battle as the leading minds of the Renaissance clash over political gain, personal glory, and the immortality of art.
In 1504, with the threat of invasion looming over Florence, the cunning Machiavelli sees an opportunity to use art to inspire civic pride and patriotism. He convinces Florence's head of state, Piero Soderini, to commission two massive battle murals from the most celebrated artists of the time - the established master Leonardo and the rising star Michelangelo - to be painted on opposite walls of the Palazzo Vecchio's Great Hall.
Euan Morton as Michelangelo
Euan Morton portrays Michelangelo Buonarroti, the passionate and deeply religious sculptor who, at just 29 years old, had already created his iconic "David" statue. In Divine Rivalry, Michelangelo is depicted as a young, hot-tempered genius with an unwavering belief that his artistic gift comes directly from God.
Though primarily known as a sculptor at this point in his career, Michelangelo is drawn into a painting competition with his great rival, Leonardo da Vinci. Their differing approaches to art - Michelangelo's emphasis on physical realism and religious devotion versus Leonardo's scientific precision and ambiguity - form the central conflict of their artistic and philosophical rivalry.
The Other Characters
Leonardo da Vinci (Miles Anderson) - At 52, Leonardo is the established artistic genius of Florence, having already completed "The Last Supper" and begun work on the "Mona Lisa." He approaches art with scientific precision and embraces ambiguity, putting him at odds with Michelangelo's more religious and passionate approach.
Niccolò Machiavelli (Sean Lyons) - The young, politically ambitious chancellor to Piero Soderini. While history remembers him for his political treatise "The Prince," in 1504 Machiavelli is portrayed as a clever strategist who orchestrates the artistic competition to strengthen Florence's standing.
About the Playwright
Michael Kramer is an award-winning journalist who discovered the story of this remarkable historical competition while researching Machiavelli. After spending years as a political columnist for publications including TIME Magazine, New York Magazine, and U.S. News & World Report, Kramer became fascinated by the intersection of art and politics in Renaissance Florence.
Euan in Divine Rivalry
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The programme
View the programme:
Links
Official Site
The Old Globe Theatre
Selection of Articles
Playbill.com Euan Morton, David Selby, Miles Anderson Paint a Divine Rivalry, Opening July 12 at The Old Globe
U-T San Diego Play review: 'Rivalry' offers artful intrigue
