A Brief History of Hell

In A Brief History of Hell four actors epitomise a series of artists, collectors, charlatans, connoisseurs, critics and fans. Several story lines are intertwined. An anatomical/taxidermic work of art is given to three critics to examine. A conceptual artist presents his new creation, but the technology lets him down. And an unworldly artist has a rendezvous with a patron of the arts who wants to fund his future work.

• In keeping with good Abattoir Fermé tradition, A Brief History of Hell becomes a shadowy universe full of dark rituals and dreams, a visual presentation with text about the dark sides of the creative process and the art business. A Brief History of Hell is a colourful satire on art in times of crisis, a comedy with ominously creaking doors.

‘I was born with the devil in me. I could not help the fact that I was a murderer, no more than the poet can help the inspiration to sing… I was born with the "Evil One" standing as my sponsor beside the bed where I was ushered into the world, and he has been with me since.’ – H.H. Holmes (1861-1896)