Yale Bulletin and Calendar

January 17, 2003|Volume 31, Number 15|Two-Week Issue

Camille Assaf created this costume sketch for the character of Tulus Aufidius in "Coriolanus."

'Drama school stages Shakespearean tale
about a hero who becomes a public enemy

"Coriolanus," Shakespeare's play about a Roman hero whose personal pride outfaces the common good, will be presented by the School of Drama for a limited run Jan. 23-Feb. 1.

Drama school student David Muse will direct the play, which will be presented in a Roman-inspired amphitheater built on the stage of the University Theatre, 222 York St.

Set in the early days of the Roman Republic, "Coriolanus" follows the transformation of the great Roman warrior from mother-driven hero to reluctant politician and, finally, to enemy of the state. Shakespeare based the play, his final tragedy and considered one of his most political plays, on Plutarch's "The Life of Martius Coriolanus." Although not as well known as some of Shakespeare's other tragedies, T.S. Eliot described "Coriolanus" as the playwright's finest effort, and because of its complexity, the play has been used as a political statement by both the right and the left. In Germany in the 1930s, Coriolanus was presented as a man of "valor and heroism," and compared favorably to Hitler; while in 1935, the Maly Theatre in Moscow called Coriolanus "a superman who detached himself from the people and betrayed them." Following World War II, the American occupying force banned the play in Germany.

The cast for "Coriolanus" includes Derek Lucci (Caius Martius Coriolanus ), Peter Macon (Tullus Aufidius) and Heather Mazur (Volumnia). Also featured are Gabrielle Castellini (Virgilia), Catherine Davis (Plebian), Kristin Fiorella (Plebian), Marcus Fuller (Titus Lartius/Senator), Nathanael Johnson (Cominius), Ray King (Plebian), Jennifer Lim (Valeria/Senator), Ian Lowe (Plebian), Rey Pamatmat (Plebian), Maulik Pancholy (Sicinius Velutus), Reynaldo Pena (Plebian), James Reynolds (Plebian), Kevin Rich (Menenius Agrippa), Tijuana Ricks (Junius Brutus), Vira Slywotzky (Plebian), William Smith (Young Coriolanus) and Quinn Stanley (Young Coriolanus).

Muse, a 1996 Yale College graduate, is in his final year of the directing program at School of Drama. His past drama school productions include "Othello," "The Sungatherers" and "The Muckle Man." He has both directed and acted at the Yale Cabaret, and he was a company member of the 2001 Summer Cabaret. Before attending the School of Drama, Muse taught, acted and directed in Washington D.C., working at a number of regional theatres including Studio Theatre, Source Theatre, The Shakespeare Theatre and the Church Street Theatre.

The artistic team for "Coriolanus" includes scenic designer Blythe Quinlan, costume designer Camille Assaf, lighting designer Miriam Crowe and sound designer Daniel Baker. Carrie Hughes is the dramaturg. Valerie Oliveiro is the stage manager.

Performances for "Coriolanus" are at the following dates and times: 8 p.m. Jan. 23-25 and Jan. 27-Feb. 1; and 2 p.m. on Jan. 25 and Feb. 1. Individual ticket prices range from $15 to $18. Discounted rates for students, seniors, and groups are available. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Yale Repertory Theatre box office at (203) 432-7087.

A wine-tasting sponsored by Mount Carmel Wine & Spirits, a Hamden winery, will precede the performance on Thursday, Jan. 23. Participants will have the opportunity to sample four different varieties of Italian vintages. The tasting will begin at 7 p.m. in the lobby of the University Theatre. Government-issued proof of legal age is required. No reservations are necessary, but supplies are limited and early arrival is recommended.

The 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, Jan. 25, will feature "RE: Play," a post-show discussion with the director and members of the cast.

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Campus Notes