Coriolanus - William Shakespeare
RATING * * * * *
Directed by Josie Rouke
Donmar Warehouse, Until February 2014
In January 2014, I went to see 'Coriolanus' showing at the Donmar Warehouse (a production by the National Theatre). I was immediately struck by the intimacy of the auditorium, surely no more than 250 in the audience: this provided a sense of inclusion and certainly contributed to the growing tension in Act II. The standard of acting from the entire cast was consistently high, not one weak link in the chain: Tom Hiddleston, playing the lead role gave a stellar performance, one difficult to criticise. He managed to portray the battle and conflict Coriolanus suffered through a subtle performance, full of emotion, anger, strength and yet weakness and poignancy.
The stage itself remained simple, with no elaborate features to comment on. Chairs, red paint, water, modern sound effects and lighting techniques were the predominant features that accompanied the actors' journey to create the impact of 'Coriolanus'. Furthermore, the costumes ranged from 17th period dress to 21st century modern day dress; the one element that was not so captivating.
An imaginative production full of blood and guts, directed by the talented Josie Rouke - a production so unique, it would be hard to match.
RATING * * * * *
Directed by Josie Rouke
Donmar Warehouse, Until February 2014
In January 2014, I went to see 'Coriolanus' showing at the Donmar Warehouse (a production by the National Theatre). I was immediately struck by the intimacy of the auditorium, surely no more than 250 in the audience: this provided a sense of inclusion and certainly contributed to the growing tension in Act II. The standard of acting from the entire cast was consistently high, not one weak link in the chain: Tom Hiddleston, playing the lead role gave a stellar performance, one difficult to criticise. He managed to portray the battle and conflict Coriolanus suffered through a subtle performance, full of emotion, anger, strength and yet weakness and poignancy.
The stage itself remained simple, with no elaborate features to comment on. Chairs, red paint, water, modern sound effects and lighting techniques were the predominant features that accompanied the actors' journey to create the impact of 'Coriolanus'. Furthermore, the costumes ranged from 17th period dress to 21st century modern day dress; the one element that was not so captivating.
An imaginative production full of blood and guts, directed by the talented Josie Rouke - a production so unique, it would be hard to match.