"Anathema" is a tragedy by Leonid Andreyev in seven scenes, often labelled as his most atheist one. It follows the dispute between the devil (called Anathema) and God about the limitations of reason and the secrets of the universe. At the same time, the Jewish protagonist David Leizer is suffering his ascent from rags to riches. For Andreyev, the human mind cannot comprehend a lot of things, such as the meaning of life, immortality, or love. The play explores the arrogance and restlessness of the characters, locked in often futile existential battles with their own selves. Definitely recommendable to fans of Andreyev – and not only.
