  This paper presents a self-contained introduction into the instanton
representation of Plebanski gravity (IRPG), a GR formulation which uses a gauge
connection and a three by three matrix as basic variables. In this paper we
explore some physical consequences of the IRPG both from the 3+1 and from the
covariant perspectives, including its regime of equivalence with Plebanski's
theory, and gravitational instantons. We conclude with the IRPG evolution
equations, which are shown to preserve the initial value constraints of the
theory.
