In one of his most famous and personal novels, Dostoyevsky portrays the vivid inner life of Prince Myshkin, who has returned from years abroad spent trying to treat his epilepsy. It takes courage for him to reintroduce himself into Russian society.

Prince Myshkin arrives at Nastasya's birthday party full of eager anticipation and yet fear that the excitement will provoke an epileptic fit.

He feels an empathy with her, possibly because they have both suffered in the past and discovers that despite the terrible stories he has heard of her behaviour, she is a captivating and fascinating woman who he falls in love with.

Starring Paul Rhys

Dramatised by Melissa Murray.

Prince Myshkin ...... Paul Rhys
Rogazhin ...... Roger Allam
Ganya ...... Alex Jennings
Nastasya ...... Lia Williams
General Yepanchin ...... David Swift
General Ivolgin ...... Stephen Moore
Lebedev ...... Gerard McDermott
Mrs Yepanchin ...... Paula Jacobs
Aglaya ...... Tracy-Ann Oberman
Kolya ...... Carl Prekopp
Alexandra ...... Jemma Churchill
Totsky ...... Martin Hyder

Producer: Cherry Cookson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2002. Show less