Beat the Devil

By: David Hare, Donald Katz - Introduction

Narrated by: David Hare

In the spring of 2020, as the world grappled with the deepening coronavirus pandemic, acclaimed British screenwriter and playwright David Hare was struck down by the virus himself.

With brutal honesty, sharp humor, and his trademark insight, the renowned writer of modern classics like Skylight and Plenty brings us into his own experience battling the bizarre and terrifying symptoms of Covid-19. But Hare's masterful storytelling transforms his personal odyssey into a universal reckoning on life's fragility and preciousness–and the shared trauma we must grapple with in the virus’s aftermath.

Originally premiered at the Bridge Theatre in London in August 2020, this searing monologue was the first production to proudly reopen the West End to theatergoers after lockdown. Now, this powerful solo performance comes to Audible with a special introduction from Audible Founder Don Katz, allowing listeners to intimately experience one of our era's preeminent creative voices as he ruminates on mortality, resilience, and love.

Audio includes an exclusive interview with Don Katz and David Hare at the end of the program.

©2024 David Hare (P)2024 AO Media, LLC

Very relevant to current times

This was a story about the recent COVID pandemic and living through getting the disease. This is only 45 minutes but manages to talk about the science and politics of the time while also adding in the writers personal experience.

Wonderful

I found this not only interesting but entertaining. I found how lucky I was to not have Covid to the extent that David experienced.

Well written cut to the chase Covid account

Very well written, provocative, factual, heartfelt, acerbic, account of severe Covid 19 illness and mental and physical recovery.

My first experience with David Hare

It was excellent and now I want to read and see everything David Hare has done. I wish I knew someone to discuss him with and intelligent books in general.

The author he was suburb

Enjoyed everything he was so articulate and knowledgeable. I am from the States and could identify with the entire London experience. I want to explore the other plays he has written

Love this one don’t miss this out

If you are having a bad day or feeling low this will help you out, the anatomy of Covid was a so complicated, we wonder a lot of things but ultimately in many ways we move forward, and if you are having problems or going through a difficult time this Audio will warm your heart and make you feel a bit better

BBC Radio for the win

Captures the “feels” of how we managed to survive a global pandemic by sheer luck and reminds us of lessons best not forgotten.

Outstanding memory of an experience we all shared.

I saw this one-hander written and performed by DAVID HARE when it was performed on stage at the Public Theater and it holds up extremely well as a recording. It is a memory and a history as well as a reflection on human frailties and the power of compassion. The story I'd concise and moves quickly from topic to topic.

Absolutely Insightful

Such a thoughtful relating of a truly profound experience! This monologue is well written, masterfully preformed, and serves as a living historical document chronicling one of the most profound and impactful periods of recent human history.

Loved the actual story, not the extra commentary

I think the story stands on its own. I would have rather the extra commentary be left to maybe a separate interview or something. I would have just like the story on its own. But that was great. I think it was very interesting pov and very insightful.