RSC Friends

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Photograph by Helen Maybanks.

Angus Jackson’s Coriolanus resonates with a contemporary audience producing disturbing parallels with the current political scene. Shakespeare seems even more prescient as this addition to this season of Roman plays progresses. This production emphasises the parellels with the zeitgeist in the initial scenes of urban unrest in modern dress set against a sparse grey set.

Coriolanus is lauded as a successful general but the populace turn against him as he uncompromisingly broadcasts his arrogant disregard for the poor and his refusal to soften his language inflames the populace. His family and friends try to mitigate the damage caused by this rough soldier who absolutely refuses to soften his utterances.

Exile inevitably follows but Coriolanus returns threatening vengeance and allies himself to his old enemy Tullus Aufidius. Volumnia, Coriolanus’s mother, pleads for mercy before the gates of besieged Rome. In the most affecting scenes of the play Coriolanus breaks down and promises a merciful and fair peace settlement for all parties. It is too late for Coriolanus, he has forfeited his power base, his family and friends are demoralised and defeated he is assassinated by his former rival. A cautionary tale for dictators and demagogues.