'Tis Pity She's a Whore is a powerful and controversial story of forbidden lust. In her debut production as Malthouse Theatre's Artistic Director, Marion Potts adapts this outrageous tale, originally written by John Ford, and first performed to appalled audiences in 1633.

Most themes that were considered controversial in 1633 couldn’t possibly shock an unshockable modern audience. That is except for the most cringe causing, gut twisting theme of them all- incest. 'Tis Pity She's a Whore is described as a “satire of moral treachery and religious corruption” and it's had a long history of being banned.

The play centres around the incestuous love of a brother and sister. The beautiful Annabella (Elizabeth Nabben) has three suitors, but none compare to her elder brother, Giovanni (Benedict Samuel). What follows is a devastating story of sinful passion where the very basis of love and who you may share it with is questioned.

Working with composer, Andrée Greenwell, and Malthouse Theatre's design team, Anna Cordingley and Paul Jackson, Marion Potts' reworking of this tragic and rarely told story reaches almost epic and operatic heights.

'Tis Pity She's a Whore is the first Malthouse Theatre production of 2011. A daring start to the season, this exploration of the most debaucherous, scandalous and taboo topic of all time is bound to get people talking and squirming.