This play contrasts the conflict of the European mind with the simple nature-centred mind of the Inca. Well, in retrospect, the Inca mind doesn't appear to be that simple, but for the purposes of the stage it is a powerful work. Worth the read, as well as worth seeing. ( )

This play, written in the early 60's, deals with the Spanish conquest of the Incas. Pizarro, De Soto and their army of soldiers and priests travel to Peru in search of gold. They find a culture that has no hunger or sin and plenty of gold. The people are ruled by Atahuallpa, the son of the sun. He is held prisoner by the Spaniards until his people bring all the gold they possess to Pizarro, but over the months Pizarro and the king develop a friendship that threatens the Spanish army.
I wanted to read this one after seeing the movie a long time ago. It starred Robert Shaw as Pizarro and Christopher Plummer as Atahuallpa. Yes, Plummer played an Incan, and he was brilliant. Also, the movie has a massacre scene that was filmed in a strangely beautiful way. ( )

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