Galileo, considered by many to be one of Brecht's masterpieces, explores the question of a scientist's social and ethical responsibility. The brilliant Galileo must choose between his life and his life's work when confronted with the demands of the Inquisition.

Through the dramatic characterization of the famous physicist, Brecht examines the issues of scientific morality and the difficult relationship between the intellectual and authority.

This version of the play is the famous one completed by Brecht himself, working with Charles Laughton, who played Galileo in the first two American productions in Hollywood and New York (1947). Since then, the play has become a classic in the world repertoire.