The Jew

In 18th century Portugal, Antonia da Silva was an admired playwright with a reputation comparable to Moliere. He was also a "converso," a Jew who had converted to Catholicism. When da Silva is accused of heresy (i.e. being still, secretly, a Jew), he denies the charges and seeks advice from the Catholic priest who is his confidant. Despite his denials, da Silva is arrested and tortured, in keeping with the "legal process" known as the Inquisition. His fate will be determined by an ambitious church hierarchy at odds with a bankrupt monarchy.