The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is known for their outstanding presentations of William Shakespeare’s plays. The time honored work of the Bard is always well performed and their current production of Titus Andronicus continues that tradition. This is the first time in 30 years that the Madison based company has presented what many call Shakespeare’s bloodiest play. This rarely produced offering lives up to its reputation and it is done in grand style. The current production has an excellent cast, fine staging and special effects, and it lets the audience feel a part of the action taking place. Surprisingly, there are moments of humor in it which help to absorb all the pain taking place.
Some of the devices used make the play more acceptable for today’s theater goers rather than audiences in Elizabethan times who craved revenge dramas. For example, there is no actual blood or even red liquid. Instead, pieces of red paper are thrown to simulate blood flowing. Very wisely, this production lessens some of the impact of characters as they are killed or maimed. With the rape scene, we see the girl going off and suspect, but nothing is shown of the actual brutal moments.
One has to wonder how audiences of Shakespeare’s day took to all the blood-letting. It appears that was part of the attraction of the show. We are better than that now. Or are we? When you think about it, today’s society might not be big on seeing the actual blood flowing; but it certainly seems to support a lot of violence in entertainment selections..Crime shows are popular on television. We allow many action movies to include scenes of people being harmed or killed in violent ways. We even let our children play video games where violence is at the core of the action.
The Story
. Pictured (left to right): Vanessa Morosco as Tamora and Chris White as Aaron. Photo credit: Jerry Dalia.
The main story of Titus Andronicus deals with revenge and the violence and destruction that comes with it. In his notes, Director Brian B. Crowe wrote, “This unsettling portrait of a society drowning in violence and seemingly bereft of civil thought or action holds a disturbing mirror up to aspects of today’s world.”
Typical of a Shakespearean play, the story has many parts to it. However, the most critical pieces deal with Titus, brilliantly played by Bruce Cromer, and the Goth Queen Tamora, played by Vanessa Morosco who is glamorously evil but equally divine in delivering lines that get many laughs. Titus shows no mercy towards Tamora’s son and has him killed. Determined to seek revenge, she sets her two sons, Chiron played by Quentin McCuiston and Demetrius played by Torsten Johnson loose to even the score. Both of these actors wear specially designed tattoos making them easy to spot through the crowds as they run around leaving behind a trail of devastation. One of their victims is Titus’ daughter Lavinia so gently played by Fiona Robberson whom they rape and maim.
Pictured (left to right): Fiona Robberson as Lavinia and Robert Cuccioli as Marcus. Photo credit: Jerry Dalia.
Titus’ brother Marcus, elegantly played by Robert Cuccioli, brings Lavinia back home to her father. If there was ever a desire for revenge, it is what Titus feels after he learns of her ordeal. And from there, plans are made to get back at Tamora and her family.
The superb acting of the company makes this a play to be remembered. A large cast gives the production a sweeping epic feel. In addition to the actors listed above and other featured roles, young artists from the Theatre’s renowned Summer Professional Training Program are part of the play.
High marks go to the Creative Team for their work on this production. A versatile set with stark visual landscape is from the creative talents of Scenic Designer Dick Block and Lighting Designer Andrew Hungerford. Costume Designer Yao Chen uses period costumes and also incorporates a form of modern day suits into some wardrobes. Sound Design is by Karin Graybash, and an integral role of Fight Director is from Rick Sordelet. The Production Stage Manager is Kathy Snyder and the Assistant Stage Manager is Jackie Mariani.
There is a lot to absorb in this play. If not already familiar with the story, take a few minutes before attending to go over to the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s website and read about the show. A pdf file is available under the Know the Show tab for this show. Give yourself a chance to absorb the human frailties that Shakespeare writes about and see how they still exist in some format today.
Additional Information About Titus Andronicus
Running Time: Approx. 2 hrs. 45 minutes with one intermission
Location: The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ
Performances: The show runs now through Sunday, Aug. 5, 2018. Consult the website for performance days and times.
Contact for Info and Tickets: For tickets, patrons can call the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.
Special Pricing on Tickets: 30 UNDER 30 program for the 2018 season. Patrons aged 30 and under can purchase tickets for only $30 with a valid ID, subject to availability.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey offers various cost-saving opportunities, including $15 student rush tickets, which are available 30 minutes prior to each performance with a valid student ID, as well as a limited number of Pay What You Can tickets for every performance on a first come, first serve basis. Season Memberships are also available and provide significant cost savings throughout the year.
Special Performances: For the same price as a regular ticket, the Symposium Series performances offer a post-show discussion with the cast and artistic staff. For Titus Andronicus, the symposia follows the Tuesday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 28 at 2:00 p.m., and Saturday, August 4 at 2:00 p.m. performances.
The Know the Show pre-show talks are free-of-cost. Prior to the show, an artist from The Shakespeare Theatre presents a pre-performance talk providing background information and an inside perspective on the production. This program is free with the purchase of a performance ticket, and for Titus Andronicus they are on Thursday, July 26 at 7:00 p.m., with the show beginning at 8:00 p.m.