Coriolanus – Warrior Hero Traitor
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 hang in the balance.
Lyndsey Turner directs a thrilling new production of Shakespeare’s timeless political tragedy which has unsettling resonance for our own time. The setting by designer Es Devlin is contemporary or, at least, a hybrid of ancient and modern.
David Oyelowo makes his highly anticipated return to the London stage in the title role. When we first meet Oyelowo’s Coriolanus he is wearing a velvet tuxedo and holding a glass of champagne. His Coriolanus is an aristocrat all the way and his contempt for the people is in his chilly insensitivity, his lack of empathy, his apparent inability to sense the mood of the people or the sympathy of those close to him whom he needs to maintain his grip.
He plays Coriolanus without a scintilla of warmth even for his mother, the steely Volumnia. His changing of sides is logical for a man who is so insulated from normal emotional contact with others.
It is a towering performance.
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