Berkoff wrote: "Greek came to me via Sophocles, trickling its way down the millennia until it reached the unimaginable wastelands of Tufnell Park ...

In my eyes, Britain seemed to have become a gradually decaying island, preyed upon by the wandering hordes who saw no future for themselves in a society which had few ideals or messages to offer them.

"[1]World premiere[2] 11 February 1980 at the Half Moon Theatre, London.Directed by Steven Berkoff.

The production transferred in September 1980 to the Arts Theatre Club, with Deirdre Morris replacing Janet Amsden.

The play was used as the basis for a well-received opera of the same name composed by Mark-Anthony Turnage and first performed in 1988.