Pravda (play)

Pravda is a satirical play written by Howard Brenton and David Hare, first performed in 1985. The title, meaning "Truth" in Russian, is a direct reference to the Soviet newspaper Pravda, and is used ironically to underscore the play's themes of media manipulation, corruption, and the erosion of journalistic integrity.

The play centers on Lambert Le Roux, a South African media mogul with an insatiable appetite for power and profit, who buys up struggling British newspapers and transforms them into sensationalist, right-wing propaganda machines. Le Roux ruthlessly manipulates his editors and reporters, prioritizing profit over truth and employing questionable tactics to control public opinion.

Pravda explores the dangers of unchecked media ownership and the potential for the press to be used as a tool for political and economic gain. It critiques the state of British journalism in the 1980s, highlighting its vulnerability to commercial pressures and the ethical compromises made in pursuit of circulation and advertising revenue.

The play is known for its sharp wit, biting dialogue, and unflinching portrayal of the corrupting influence of power. It sparked considerable controversy upon its release, prompting debates about the responsibilities of the media and the role of journalists in a democratic society.