“Coriolanus” is a seldom-produced Shakespeare play but in the deft hands of the cast at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, makes a case it should be done more often.
PSF is presenting this invigorating and clever “Coriolanus” as its “extreme Shakespeare” offering of the season through Aug. 2 in the Schubert Theatre at Labuda Center for the Performing Arts on the DeSales University campus.
“Coriolanus” is the 33rd of Shakespeare’s 38 plays to be produced at the festival.
The play, performed in the festival’s “extreme Shakespeare” style, with actors rehearsing the way it is believed Shakespeare's company would have, always gives the performances a free-wheeling energy and “Coriolanus” benefits greatly from the pacing. Scenes are snappy and rapidly follow each other as actors exit in one direction as other actors enter from another.
Anchoring the show is a wonderful Geoffrey Kent as Coriolanus. Kent’s Coriolanus is charismatic and intelligent. It is easy to see how Coriolanus could reach the heights in Roman politics if only he could hold his tongue. However, he lets his prides and disdain for the plebeians burst through at the worst moments. Kent’s Coriolanus, takes a giddy delight in combat - especially hand to hand – but ask him to appeal to the lower classes and something snaps, to his own detriment. Kent is particularly humorous in the scene in which Coriolanus, wearing a bathrobe, tries to overcome his pride to woo the people for their votes.
Susan Riley Stevens is outstanding as Coriolanus’ strong-willed mother Volumnia. She proudly and humorously pushes her son, even clasping his wounded arm as if he were invincible to pain. Stevens makes it clear Volmnia will do anything to further her son’s career and also is more aware of the importance of humility (at the appropriate time). The final scenes reveal her strength and how much influence she ultimately has over her son.
Greg Wood’s amiable Menenius is much more of a politician. While he feels the same way about the Plebeians as Coriolanus, he knows when it’s best to soften his voice and be persuasive, to achieve his goals.
Sarah Gilko is a stealthy Sicinius and John Hedges is a cynical Brutus. The two are the tribunes representing the people and manipulate the commoners with abandon. Looking a bit like classic spies, they creep around the stage as they convince the people to pull their support from Coriolanus, and ultimately get him banished.
Akeem Davis is enjoyably bombastic as Cominius, the leader of the Roman army and a supporter of Coriolanus.
As Tullus Aufidius, the commander of the Volscian army and Coriolanus’ sworn enemy, David Pica is nuanced and sly, taking advantage of Coriolanus’ rage to further his own ambitions.
The production, which is self-directed by the actors, makes full use of any opportunity for humor which lightens up this historical Shakespearean tragedy.
Soldiers setting up the podium, do a funny bit with moving the podium around and servants at Aufidius’ feast are drunk and cocky. Even when Coriolanus reveals himself to Aufidius, he does it by whipping off dark glasses for a touch of humor.
The set is very minimal with only small props adorning it, although a lingering mist sets a mood of foreboading.
Costumes are contemporary with a military vibe.
The use of drums and guitar adds a bit of appreciated atmosphere,
Meet the actors for an informal talk-back after the July 30 show.
“Epilogues” a free discussion and a behind-the-scenes look at the show at 10 a.m. Aug. 1 will allow audience members to gain deeper insight and ask questions.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. July 29, 30 and 31 and 2 p.m. Aug. 1 and 2.
Labuda Center for the Performing Arts is at DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley. For information, call 610-282-9455, or go to pashakespeare.org/.