This controversial play follows the declining fortunes of a guy of extravagant contradictions.

The fabulously rich Timon thinks all his friends to become as open-hearted and generous as himself. When his prosperity suddenly evaporates, nevertheless, he discovers the truth and his altruism turns to a bitter hatred of mankind. Stirred up from the cynical Apemantus, Timon retreats to the woods where he plots the destruction of Athens, the city that had previously seemed to embody everything pleasurable and civilized. The cosmic scope of his hatred is normally communicated in a series of powerful and disturbing dramatic tableaux.

Alan Howard is Timon and Norman Rodway is Apemantus. Damian Lewis play Alcibiades.