Coriolanus Is A Must-See!
If you are a fan of Shakespere, Ancient Rome, or stage combat, Prenzie Players “Coriolanus” is a play you will definitely not want to miss.
One of my professors at Augustana College is a performer in this production and he was able to give me a summary of the play, what role(s) he is cast in, and why people should come see it.
“The story revolves around the proud noble (patrician) Roman Coriolanus, who is a courageous and skilled war leader, but also hates the common people (plebeians). It is the early Republic, with civic unrest and intense social conflict between rich and poor. Opposition to Coriolanus focuses on the tribunes Brutus and Sicinius — their position was created recently so that the plebeians would have representatives in charge of serving their interests. Coriolanus rises to the heights of political power, but then falls hard, is exiled, and turns against his native country with military force.”
“I play a few “minor” roles including a plebeian Roman. One of the notable things about this play is that the plebeians together make a really important super-role (the masses) that plays off against the patrician leaders. Also interesting are interactions with one famous character, Menenius Agrippa, who is technically a patrician but is well-liked by the plebeians. Not everything is black and white.”
“People should see this show because it’s Shakespeare, but it’s less well known. This will be a great opportunity to see a play that will not have as much of a chance to be seen elsewhere. The ways it parallels recurring themes in politics and social relations even in the modern day also make it of contemporary interest. The difficulties of patriotism and politics still ring true today. There are also some fun and exciting fight sequences!”
When I asked Dr. Hooker how he felt about the show, he said: “This is one of my favorite Shakespeare plays. It really captures the excitement and danger of conflict and politics in the civic arena. There is also going to be a lot of stage fighting, so that should be fun for everyone too! The actors are all excellent, most having played in multiple Prenzie shows before (as well as in other venues).”
“Prenzie Player’s motto, “Theatre is not a passive experience,” is absolutely foremost here. The audience is really made to feel like they’re a part of the story. They focus on Shakespeare and “verse drama” more generally (sometimes including more contemporary items), always performed in an engaging, accessible, and exciting style. In the next few years, they will complete a full cycle of all Shakespeare’s works.”
Prenzie Players is located at 1730 Wilkes Avenue in Davenport and the show runs from March 30-April 1. The doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online for $10 at: http://m.bpt.me/event/2736811 , or bought at the door for $15. Online tickets must be purchased within 24 hours before the show. Come and see this amazing production come to life!
