The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ’s ‘Coriolanus’ is Dynamic, Powerful, and Timely

A leader of troops returns from a great battle to his home city as a hero. He is granted a valued position in the leadership ranks, but a faction who also wants power turns the people against him. Does this sound like modern day news? It certainly could be. However, this is the basic scenario that guides the plot of the play Coriolanus written by William Shakespeare. The insights about human needs for power haven’t changed much since it was written in the 1500’s including the personalities and what one will do to achieve that power. I came away with a greater appreciation for Shakespeare’s ability to identify and write about people, their humanity and their failings which are universal.

Playing until July 24 on the Kirby Stage in Madison of the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey Coriolanus is classified as one of the Bard’s Tragedies. This is not a play that is frequently performed but it really should be because there is just something so unique, something so special about this play that makes it stand out. This particular production which is directed by Brian B. Crowe, has some fine elements to it that make it a must see show this summer.

One of those elements that gives a unique flair to the entire production is the 20th century modern costuming and use of props. The dresses on Coriolanus’ family are soft flowing. Darker colors are used for the mass crowds. Modern utensils are seen used by the tribunes that include clipboards and speakers. The sets are quite sparse but very functional and great use is made of the entire theater space which at times makes the audience feel that they are actually in the play itself.

The plot is based on the story of the downfall of famed Roman General Caius Martius Coriolanus. It is not a highly complex piece to follow as the story has several main parts that are developed. As the play opens, angry citizens of Rome have gathered to voice their concerns that the leaders of Rome are hoarding food during a time of famine. As Menenius Agippa tries to appease them, Martius enters. He quickly leaves as word of incoming armies is heard. Bravely, he charges out gets his soldiers and an intense battle occurs which he wins. The battle scene’s intensity is increased as incoming armies race down the theater aisles and powerful sword fights take place on stage. Walls close and open to add to the stress of the moment and finally, Caius Martius can claim his victory over his enemy, the Volscians, led by Tullus Aufidius. This battle scene is in the very early part of the play yet it is one of the most dynamic parts of the play for its action and perfectly executed battle and sword fighting choreography.

Upon his return, Caius Martius, who beomes known as Coriolanus, is welcomed back as a hero and his family, particularly his mother, Volumnia, who encourages him to seek political authority. This opens an interesting part of the Caius Martius’ persona, that of being a man who has two sides within him struggling for control. He wants power and yet he is insecure at the same time. His family is the strength in his life and his mother seems to be a force to be reckoned with. With their encouragement, he meets with the Senate who agrees to make him a consul, but he must first submit himself for the public’s approval. Here is where we can really see parallel to current day when the tribunes, who are representatives of the common people, stir up the populace. Their scheming to cut the public support of Caius is overwhelming and he does not receive the support he needs. And although he won a great battle for them, he is branded a traitor and exiled from Rome. After a final plea from his mother, he attempts one more time to regain political power, only to be killed in the end.

The story unfolds through the fine acting of a large cast that includes Nobles of Rome, Commoners of Rome, and The Volscians. A special mention goes to the following whose roles are so pivotal to the plot. Leading the cast as Coriolanus is Greg Derelian who turns in a standout performance of a complex man. The role of his mother, Volumnia, is played by Jacqueline Antaramian who demonstrates how forcefully in a quiet way a mother can influence her son. Bruce Cromer plays Menenuis Agippa, a patrician. Mr. Cromer successfully shows how loyalties can switch rapidly. In the roles of the Tribunes are John Ahlin and Corey Tazmania whose deceptive campaign to discredit Coriolanus is so well presented that it makes the final turns of the plot easy to understand but not necessarily to be pleased with the results.

Additional Information about Coriolanus:

Location: The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Ave. (at Lancaster Road), Madison, NJ
Tickets and Info Contact: Call the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or visit ShakespeareNJ.org
Special Ticket Pricing: 30 Under 30 Program
Suggested Audience: Early teens – adults
Dates: July 6 – July 24, 2016
Post-Show Symposium Performances: July 12 at 7:30 p.m.; July 16 at 2:00 p.m. July 23 at 2:00 p.m.
Know the Show: July 14 at 7:00 p.m. and curtain at 8:00 p.m.