Carthage Must Be Destroyed

A compelling story of political intrigue, double dealing and the ruthless realities of taking a nation to war, set against the backdrop of the Third Punic War.

Fifty years after the ravages of Hannibal, the Roman Republic isn’t doing so well. Taxes have risen, the Senate is under pressure, and Carthage, the old enemy, is stockpiling weapons.

But Consul Cato is a practical man. He knows that if the Senate hears a clamour of voices against Carthage, order could be restored.

Alan Wilkins’ play Carthage Must Be Destroyed was first staged at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, in May 2007. It won Best New Play at the Scottish Theatre Awards.

‘Spectacular… persuasive and chilling… exposes the very sinews of power’
- The Times

‘Blistering historical drama… ceaselessly, effortlessly updates itself’
- Guardian

‘A bloodily intelligent piece of imagined history… a serious exploration of the eroticism of power… fantastically ambitious’
- Herald, Scotland

Best New Play, Scottish Theatre Awards