IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE END to Play Somerset House, Jan 28-March 30

Somerset House and King's Cultural Institute present a dreamthinkspeak production: IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE END, a large-scale site responsive promenade production, inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci, The Book of Revelation and the ever-evolving world of Mechatronics. Conceived by Tristan Sharps, the show will run 28 January - 30 March 2013 at Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA.

Press Performances: Tuesday 5 February. Entry times at 5 minute intervals from 6.30pm - 9.30pm.

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." - Book of Revelation: Chapter 22; verse 13

The starting point for IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE END was a Leonardo Da Vinci drawing, entitled "A Cloudburst of Material Possessions": a surreal and apocalyptic vision depicting a torrential downpour of man-made objects. It is an image of man's obsession with materialism and mass production at the expense of spiritual growth. Like the Book of Revelation, Leonardo's drawing is a forewarning; is this end of the world or the start of a new world?

Threading its way through maze-like underground passages and into previously unseen areas of Kings College and Somerset House, IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE END creates a series of journeys through divine revelations and calamitous accidents, from the sublime to the ridiculous. Mixing Leonardo-inspired hydraulics and modern mechanical engineering with dreamthinkspeak's unique blend of film, installation and live performance, it reveals a vision of the world either on the verge collapse - or the brink of rebirth.

Led by Tristan Sharps, the dreamthinkspeak core team of makers and builders will collaborate with engineers, electronic hackers, and lab technicians from King's College Physics department, interweaving a range of technologies seamlessly into the production.

Prices: Mon - Sat £19.50, £24.50. To Book: Somerset House www.somersethouse.org.uk or through The National Theatre www.nationaltheatre.org.uk. Tel: 020 7452 3000. Twitter: @SomersetHouse.

Please note: There is male and female nudity in the production. The show is not suitable for children under 12. 12-16 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. This is a promenade performance where you will be on your feet throughout - please wear comfortable footwear.

IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE END is co-commissioned by Somerset House Trust, King's Cultural Institute and TippingPoint. Sponsored by Bloomberg. Supported by Arts Council England.

Photo © Emma Critchley

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