This production of Coriolanus really does highlight the play’s central question – who holds the power: the people or the leaders?
I have never read nor seen previous productions of Coriolanus although, I did expect blood. It is one of Shakespeare’s tragic plays estimated to have been written around the same time as Anthony and Cleopatra. The historical background of the time is relevant too as some of the issues the play and the first scene of this play echoes the scribe’s state: what is Shakespeare trying to say but is too scared to say? Why doesn’t Coriolanus want to speak to the people as is his duty if he is to be consul? At the time the play was written Shakespeare himself was experiencing change, Elizabeth I now dead and James I now sitting on the throne. He couldn’t be bold and had to use metaphors. It felt as if this production of Coriolanus attempted to highlight those aspects of the play.
David Oyelowo delivered a towering performance. The rest of the cast incredible and special mention for Pamela Nowvete as Coriolanus’s mother who dominated every scene she appeared in. Aside from the first 15 minutes which felt confusing at times but then the production really hit its stride and the conflict of a general who isn’t great at speaking to the public but wants power. The drama and tension are maintained in the second half.
The stage design is impressive and as to be expected with any play performed in the Olivier theatre. It’s a modern and athestically pleasing set. There’s symmetry: it starts off in a museum gallery and ends in one.
The only dull moments were ironically the fight scenes. These felt as if they were trying to emulate what you seen on screen but didn’t translate well on stage – lots of blocking and a shocking lack of gore or blood. Also, the ending felt quite sanitised and anti climatic. I was left thinking, is that it for the mighty Coriolanus not even a splash of blood.
I saw this on press night but given that I am now posting this in Black History Month it feels especially important to take a moment because two out of the three main characters of this are performed by Black male actors: Kobna Holbrook-Smith and David Oyelowo. It feels progressive that reviews are not focusing on their race but simply their performance. Can we now say we have finally arrived in the 21st century?
Coriolanus runs until 9 November at the National Theatre.
