Review: Coriolanus, National Theatre - cancel culture in Roman times
21/09/2024
The National Theatre has given its new production of Coriolanus an epic feel. The stage has a series of huge concrete-looking columns which rise and fall to create different spaces in and around which the action is set.
Ancient artefacts are dotted around, sometimes giving the feel of a modern museum, which is a visual representation of how the production blends old and new. It has one foot in the past and another in the present.
Coriolanus (David Oyelowo), the soldier extraordinaire who has delivered so many victories for Rome, is admired and revered by the elite and common people alike until he does something which is seen as disrespectful.
He 'disses' his fans, if you like, and they turn on him, egged on by the tribunes Sicinius (Stephanie Street) and Brutus (Jordan Metcalfe).
Their punishment is to banish him. But it is something they quickly regret when their former hero sets out on a path of revenge.
The costumes have a quasi-modern look, but there are no other modern references. And yet, Coriolanus' treatment, how he is raised up and objectified by his 'fans' only to be brought down by the same, has resonance with social and tabloid media now. He gets 'cancelled'.
His mistake is in 'keeping it real' or maintaining 'authenticity' when that's not what people really want. He is a brilliant soldier who seeks a political position but doesn't understand that politics is a different game and one he is ill-equipped to play.
Sort of like those people who get promoted to managerial positions because they are good at doing the job they were in and not because they have the potential to be good managers.
David Oyelowo is a muscular, angry Coriolanus but brave, driven by service in battle, and shows some respect for good, honourable enemy fighters.
Stephanie Sweet and Jordan Metcalfe wield their prejudices and administrative powers with an affronted snarl. They are shown to be social climbers who enjoy the trappings their elevated position offers.
Peter Forbes' Menenius lacks a certain nuance, which makes him less believable as someone who is politically adept at placating and persuading. I couldn't help comparing him with Mark Gatiss' portrayal in the Donmar Warehouse production in 2013, which had more agency.
I also couldn't help comparing the endings of this production to that of the Donmar's.
The demise of Tom Hiddleston's Coriolanus was particular and memorable for it. While the denouement of David Oyelowo's Coriolanus was executed visually interestingly, it felt underpowered. However, the final image of Coriolanus was nicely done and wholly fitting with the theme and set.
I'm giving Coriolanus at the National Theatre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Coriolanus, National Theatre
Written by William Shakespeare.
Directed by Lyndsey Turner
Starring: David Oyelowo
Running time: 2 hours and 40 minutes, including an interval.
Booking until 9 November; for more details and to buy tickets, visit the National Theatre website.
Recently reviewed:
Shifters, Duke of York's Theatre; ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ booking until 12 October
Waiting for Godot, Theatre Royal Haymarket ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ booking until 14 December
Ostan, Park Theatre ⭐️⭐️ and a half, booking until 12 October
And here's my review of the Donmar production starring Tom Hiddleston.
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