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Review of Shakespeare's Coriolanus


"Unrivalled in the art of war, undefeated on the field of battle, Coriolanus is Rome’s greatest soldier. When a legendary victory brings the opportunity of high office, he is persuaded to stand for election. But while populist politicians tell the people what they want to hear, Coriolanus refuses to play the game. As Rome’s most celebrated warrior becomes its most dangerous enemy, the future of the city and its hero hangs in the balance."



A tale of treachery, betrayal, and destiny. Coriolanus, a man marked for greatness, yet only in death is truly understood. Immortalized in stone, revered for the principles he stood for, alongside his arrogance. Irony weaves through this story as envy and jealousy grow alongside power, abuse, and control. The name "Coriolanus" traces back to Latin, from Corioli, meaning "victorious."


The first 20 minutes of the play were overwhelming, as rapid dialogue made it hard to follow. But as the plot unfolded, the layers of deception and corruption became clearer, and I was drawn into the tension. The different scenes of the set were seamlessly transformed, simple structured moving parts, creating a space within walls that held palpable boundaries, created by the swell and dim of the orchestra with its subtle nuances of storytelling.


David Oyelowo’s portrayal of Caius Marcius Coriolanus, a Roman captain, was compelling. Coriolanus is strong, driven by a mule-like stubbornness born from betrayal by the very people he fought for. Despite his loyalty and the wounds he endured for Rome, his return home revealed an untamed ego, unyielding in its defiance. Yet beneath this stubbornness lay a brutal honesty—brash, harsh, but always with a truth, garnered by his own standards. Therefore, he antagonises those in authority and those deemed the common people. With all of this Oyelowo captured this complexity of character with striking presence. His eloquent, powerful delivery, punctuated with precise diction, revealed a seasoned Shakespearean actor fully embodying the indignant yet resolute nature of Coriolanus.


"Shakespeare’s Coriolanus, directed by Lyndsey Turner and featuring David Oyelowo at the South Bank, tells the story of Caius Marcius Coriolanus, a Roman captain betrayed by the very people he fought for. Oyelowo's portrayal is striking—his stubbornness and honesty shine through a character deeply wronged. His speech is eloquent, powerful, and captivating, punctuated with moments of fierce conviction."




Pamela Nomvete’s portrayal of Volumnia, Coriolanus' mother, was equally powerful. Her pride in her son’s victories shifted to frustration as she urged him to show humility to the people. After his exile, she pleads with him to go back to Rome to reconnect with his soul, urging him to rediscover love for his family, his mother, his wife Virgilia played by Kemi-Bo Jacobs, and his son Young Marcius played by Kyron Allen. Nomvete’s performance masterfully balanced strength, determination, and wisdom, while also conveying the vulnerability and deep pain of a mother who has lost her emotional connection with her son.


One particularly moving scene featured the women in black garments against a darkened backdrop. As the lights dimmed, the setting evoked night, creating an electrifying silence. The women’s entrance, united and dignified, powerfully captured the depth of vulnerability and sorrow, as they pleaded with Coriolanus to return back home, to Rome, where he rightfully belonged.



In Coriolanus, treachery and pride played significant roles. The characters of Brutus, a Roman Tribune portrayed by Jordan Metcalfe, who too is a well-versed Shakespeare thespian and his conniving accomplice Roman Tribune Sicinius, portrayed by Stephanie Street, exemplified how the cunning manipulation of jealousy could result in a downfall of power. Both pandering and inciting fear mongering amongst the common people, fed by their mis-judged perception of power and control.


Coriolanus had made his name defeating an enemy army and defending Rome. The Senate then nominated him as consul. However, he could not win the people's vote, so he was banished from Rome and allies with his old enemy until he returned to Rome from exile, seeking vindication from siding with Rome's enemies, His people regarded him as a traitor, girded on by Brutus and Sicinius and he was eventually killed by his own people. At this point, the auditorium was immaculately quiet, as we were drawn into the vortex of the inevitable, Coriolanus' demise. However, the visuals that the audience were presented with were stark and large, the music moving and loud all evoking a sense of finality.


The ending was unexpected and powerful, with Coriolanus immobilized in silhouette, seated with his head bowed. His posture conveyed strength and defiance, yet with a subtle hint of humility. The shield by his side symbolized his warrior spirit, leaving a lasting impression. The simple yet evocative props underscored the sense of his destined immortality, while the music swelled into a crescendo of loss and finality, perfectly setting the tone for the conclusion.





Review by Esther Austin


The creative team includes director Lyndsey Turner, set designer Es Devlin, costume designer Annemarie Woods, lighting designer Tim Lutkin, sound designer Tom Gibbons, video designer Ash J Woodward, fight director Sam Lyon-Behan, composer Angus MacRae, casting director Bryony Jarvis-Taylor, voice coaches Cathleen McCarron and Shereen Ibrahim, associate set designer Claudia Fragoso, associate costume designer Philip Engleheart, and staff director Júlia Levai.


The season will run in the Olivier theatre from 11 September – 9 November 2024


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