SUU presents Shakespeare’s highly political “Coriolanus”
By Ashley H Pollock
Southern Utah University’s theater department will present William Shakespeare’s “Coriolanus” Sept. 26, 27, 28, and 30 and Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre in Cedar City.
“Representation matters,” said Dr. Scott Knowles, director of SUU’s production of “Coriolanus.” “Political representation, artistic representation, a performance, a protest, words representing ideas, facts, opinions, or actions — all forms of representation come with inherent types of power. ‘Coriolanus’ is about the power of such representation.”
A highly political play, “Coriolanus” explores the life of Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. Written between 1607 and 1608, there is no record of it being performed during Shakespeare’s lifetime. It was first published in the First Folio in 1623.
“’Coriolanus’ is a play that is just as relevant today as it was during the time it was written,” said Madeline Peck, a literature major from Lindon who plays Aufidius. “More than that, this story is vibrant with a compelling story and complex characters. ‘Coriolanus’ challenges the audience and forces them to evaluate their own beliefs. More than just this, it is a story about people. This play presents some of the most complicated and vibrant of Shakespeare’s characters as they face decisions with far-reaching consequences. There is struggle, there is emotion, and there is, in the end, tragedy.”
“My favorite part of the rehearsal process has been watching Scott lead us all to common ground,” said Kennedy Jones, a senior classical acting major who plays Cominius. “We have actors in this show who this is their first experience with Shakespeare and others who have been performing these texts for years. It has been great to see how our creative team has really met each actor where they are at and helped us all find our own space to play and grow within this show, regardless of where we started.”
Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for alumni, and $5 for youth. SUU faculty and staff (and one guest) and students can get in free with valid ID. Tickets can be purchased at the America First Event Center Box Office, at the door the night of the performance, or online at suu.edu/pva.
Articles related to “SUU presents Shakespeare’s highly political ‘Coriolanus'”
Escalante Canyons Art Festival celebrates the West with art, music, and more
