Saturday, October 31, 2020

Play #43 -- Coriolanus, National Theatre at Home, June 7

A somewhat obscure member of the Shakespearean canon, Coriolanus was a ferocious, gory look at warriors, fickle politicians, an even more fickle public, and how to navigate amongst all of them. The lead character was given an intense energy by the stellar actor Tom Hiddleston, of Avengers fame (as well as other, more heady films).  We were held in rapt attention by the fast-paced direction and excellent acting. Even though I tend to understand only 50-75% of the words in most Shakespearean plays, especially new ones (to me), a well-directed version can make it so it doesn't even matter.  With the right inflection, movements, non-verbal actions, and set, the story can be told without relying solely on the dialogue.  Great show!

https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/nt-at-home-coriolanus

http://oldntlive.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/ntlout12-coriolanus


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