RELIGIOUS extremism is very much a theme of the present time but it has always posed moral and ethical dilemmas for those wrestling with their consciences.

Although the extremism of Brand - the eponymous central character of Henrik Ibsen's fatalistic play - is far removed from the modern day terrorism of bombs and bullets, he embodies a more insidious and dogmatic terrorism of the mind.

Ralph Fiennes, taking time out from his thriving movie career to portray Brand, brings the right air of brooding to carry off the tortured mental fanaticism of the Lutheran priest.

Brand's single-mindedness, admirable on one level, cannot be anything other than condemned on many others.

His disregard for what he perceives as moral shilly-shallying in others allows no room for the weakness, confusion or emotions of others.

This is emphasised when he refuses to compromise his harsh guiding principles to take account of the grief of his wife over the death of their young child.

This being Ibsen, the characters are not destined to live happily after in the face of so much anguish and tragedy and the play builds towards a dramatic yet poignant climax.

Back treading the boards, Fiennes gives a commanding performance, receiving excellent support from Claire Price as his wife, Agnes, who is particularly impressive when Brand's hectoring dogmatism bullies her in her sadness as she recalls happier times with their now-dead child.

Brand runs at Stratford until May 24 before transferring to the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, from May 29 until August 30.

REVIEW BY PETER McMILLAN