Synopsis

A modern British landscape where corporate greed and personal ambition collide, leaving morality in tatters.

Gorge Mastromas begins life as an ordinary, morally upright individual. However, a pivotal moment in his career leads him to embrace a philosophy of ruthless self-interest. Guided by three golden rules – take what you want, lie without remorse, and never regret – Gorge ascends to the heights of wealth and power. Along the way, he manipulates and betrays those around him, including his wife Louisa, whose past trauma he exploits. As Gorge’s empire grows, so does his capacity for cruelty and deception, culminating in a confrontation with Gel, his long-lost brother, and later with Pete, his grandson, who represents a new generation poised to challenge Gorge’s worldview.

Dennis Kelly’s play is a searing exploration of capitalism, morality, and the corrupting influence of power. Through Gorge’s journey from everyman to ruthless tycoon, the play examines the ease with which principles can be abandoned in pursuit of success. Kelly’s sharp, often darkly comic dialogue punctuates scenes of increasing moral decay, while the play’s episodic structure allows for a sweeping view of Gorge’s life and the consequences of his actions. The Ritual Slaughter of Gorge Mastromas offers a provocative critique of modern society’s values, questioning the price of success and the nature of truth in a world where lying has become an art form.