Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Radio Times
Review by:
Jane Anderson

This philosophical novel by Robert M Pirsig has never been dramatised before and I suspect that is because so much of the text requires vigorous intellectual scrutiny to fathom its meaning.

This is one of the rare cases where I would suggest a drama is better appreciated by reading the book first — it is the playwright Peter Flannery’s (Our Friends in the North, George Gently) favourite novel and I hope he would agree.

For those without the time or inclination to do so, expect a challenging listen as James Purefoy stars as three characters, all of whom are aspects of the same troubled man.

About this programme

By Robert M Pirsig, dramatised by Peter Flannery. A father and son embark on a motorbike journey from Minnesota to California, using the maintenance of the vehicle to illustrate the unification of technology and artistry. Starring James Purefoy.

Cast and crew

Cast

Dad/Narrator/Phaedrus
James Purefoy
Chris
Max Cazier
John
Sean Power
Sylvia
Lucy Newman-Williams
Gennie
Caitlin Thorburn
Professor
Paris Arrowsmith

Crew

Dramatised By
Peter Flannery
Producer
Melanie Harris
Writer
Robert M Pirsig
Categories
Drama

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