Rochester House
42 Pembroke Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 1BP
UK
An exploration of the fascinating life of Richard F. Burton (1821 – 1890) from celebrated story-teller Giles Abbott.
Amongst venerated British explorers such as Scott, Livingstone and Stanley, the no less important figure of Richard Francis Burton remains a historical outcast. Why? In his new touring show, storyteller Giles Abbott tells us the tale of an irreverent, sensual, driven and daring character who deserves to be known. Burton was fluent in over 40 languages. With the support of The Royal Geographical Society he led an expedition to the true source of the Nile; he lived in disguise for a year and completed the Haj from Suez to Mecca; in the face of prudish restrictions he ingeniously published the Karma Sutra in Britain. Told in a style that reflects the Arabian Nights, this story, which begins at Burton’s Bedouin-style mausoleum (in a Catholic church!), takes us on a voyage that loops back and forth in time.
Not suitable for under 14s due to some adult themes.