“Vengeance is in my heart, death in my hand, blood and revenge are hammering in my head,” with quotes like that you know William Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus is not going to be Pixar’s next school holiday hit with kids any time soon.
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But for Maitland’s Reamus Youth Theatre – the Bard’s most violent, bloody revenge tragedy was begging for the stage.
Reamus’ Titus has been transported away from its original setting in ancient Rome and into the near future. But the Shakespearean bloodbath remains.
“[Directors] Dan Stranger and Matthew Collins, did not shy away from bringing the blood and violence the play is known for to the stage,” reviewer and drama teacher Ashlea Ross said.
The Reamus Youth Theatre, based at the Maitland Repertory Theatre, casts actors and crew aged 16 to 25.
“There are strong performances from all members of Reamus Youth Theatre who work together as an ensemble to bring the piece to life, and would have the Bard applauding from his grave.
“It is important to pay homage to their confident control and delivery of Shakespearean language which is admirable, if not enviable.”
The setting isn’t all that’s changed. The original tells the story of Titus Andronicus, the accomplished Roman general returning from war with the empire’s enemies with a captive Goth queen, Tamora, in tow.
But Reamus reforged history, flipping the lead role’s gender.
“Confident female leads Maddy Lardner (as Titus), Samantha Lambert (as Marcia) and Milly Lambert (as Tamora) assert their dominance on stage and bring their characters’ anguish and torment to their performances,” Ms Ross said.
“Their male counterparts Alex Simpson (Saturninus), Liam Walsh (Bassianus) and Jacob Agius (Aaron) do justice to their roles as they play their part in the web of manipulation and torture.”
Ms Ross said the direcotrs skilfully handled the balance of graphic violence and narrative, allowing first-time audiences understand the story, despite its Shakespearean language.
“Reamus Youth Theatre is known for bringing strong interpretations of Shakespeare’s plays to contemporary audiences and Titus is no exception,” Ms Ross added.
Performance Dates/Times:
Evenings at 8pm - August 19, 20, 26, 27.
Matinees at 2pm - Aug 21
Doors open 30 minutes before performances
Bookings:
Call Maitland Visitor Information Centre to book on 02 4931 2800 or book online at maitlandticketing.com.au/maitlandreptheatre.
Full series of photos at www.facebook.com/photographybycarz/
