I'd Rather Goya Robbed Me of My Sleep Than Some Other Arsehole, Gate Theatre

It might be a bit of a mouthful, but don’t let the unusual title of this play put you off. Rodrigo Garcia’s one-man show, translated into English by William Gregory, is directed by Jude Christian, who might well be about to enter the roll call of big talents nurtured at the Gate Theatre.

I’d Rather Goya Robbed Me of My Sleep Than Some Other Arsehole depicts a man in a crisis. Faced with failing finances and a life that seems to be falling apart, Garcia’s protagonist makes the rather odd decision to spend his life’s savings on drink and drugs before breaking into Madrid’s Museo del Prado with his sons to stare at the paintings of Goya.

Christian is the recipient of the JP Morgan bursary for emerging directors, which is supporting this production at the Gate. Her chosen play is receiving its UK premiere, bringing Garcia’s weird and wonderful work to a new audience in London.