Shakespeare in the Park: Coriolanus
by Martin Brady
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This summer's selection for Shakespeare in the Park is by no means an unknown play, it's just one that isn't produced all that often. (And we should all be thankful it's not Timon of Athens.) The original tale of Gaius Marcius Coriolanus comes to us via Plutarch, meaning it's factual in part, legendary on balance. In the Bard's hands, it's a full-on political tragedy with strong military overtones—perfect for this election year. Naked Stages artistic director Mark Cabus has been tapped by the Nashville Shakespeare Festival to direct a production that's been transplanted from ancient Rome to post-czarist Russia in an attempt to adopt a more contemporary feel without sacrificing the distant-enough-past setting. The fest has enlisted some interesting designers to help fulfill Cabus' "text-first" vision, including Jonathan Hammel (set), Billy Ditty (costumes) and Anne Willingham (lights); fight choreographer Roy Cox is also on board to enhance the action. The cast looks promising, with erstwhile Blue Man Group performer Christopher Brown, formerly of Belmont University and last seen locally as Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing, taking on the title role, supported by a mix of reliable Nashville thespians (Matthew Carlton, Rona Carter, Denice Hicks, Jessejames Locorriere, Patrick Waller). Cast members Kamal Bolden, Jamie Farmer and Rodrikus Springfield are newcomers to the festival stage. The role of Brutus is played by Brenda Sparks. As always, NSF has lined up pre-show musical entertainment for each performance. Visit nashvilleshakes.org for a complete schedule of events.
Thursdays-Sundays, 7:30 p.m. Starts: Aug. 14. Continues through Sept. 7, 2008
Thursdays-Sundays, 7:30 p.m. Starts: Aug. 14. Continues through Sept. 7, 2008
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