Coriolanus ★★★★ National Theatre | Until November 9, 2024

Not Shakespeare's most often produced play, Coriolanus poses questions about a man whose qualities yield success on the battlefield, but which lead to his failure in the world of politics. The confidence and modesty that make Coriolanus a successful soldier are read as pride and arrogance when he is faced with wooing the populace to attain the office of consul. However, what he sees as his refusal to pander also involves an inability to self-reflect, and this quality, as much as anything, leads to his downfall, also making him one of the bard's less engaging protagonists. The man of action is simple and inscrutable, and ultimately less sympathetic than characters such as Hamlet or even Macbeth. The decision of director Lyndsey Turner to frame this production in a museum doesn't really add much resonance to the piece, and ultimately seems rather contrived. Similarly, the presentation of the work in modern dress with people using computer tablets and guns while the major combat moment is a sword fighting sequence also seems somewhat bewildering. However, what does succeed in this production are some very strong performances. Uncompromisingly imperious until faced with the pleading of his family, David Oyelowo is a fine Coriolanus, and in the fighting sequences, he throws in some nice Ninja-worthy moves. As Volumnia, Pamela Nomvete hits all the right notes. She beautifully personifies the proudly fierce mother of a warrior who is eventually brought low by the traits she has instilled. As Menenius, the pragmatic patrician who tries to advance his protégé's career, but who hasn't reckoned on the soldier's obstinance, Peter Forbes also puts in an outstanding performance. We are never quite sure whether he is a brazen opportunist, or simply a realist. Es Devlin's sets are quite stunning and neatly adapt to the requirements of the production, while Ash J Woodward's video work definitely contributes to the monumental nature of the show. The sound effects also nicely add to the drama of the piece, although they did tend to overpower the spoken word at some points. This is a Coriolanus that does as much as possible to make one of Shakespeare's less popular works, and one of his more opaque characters, both pertinent and affecting.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.

Photo by Misan Harriman

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When, Where, Getting there:

• Until November 9, 2024
• Various days and times (see website below)
• National Theatre (Olivier Theatre)
• Nearest tube: Waterloo
• https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/coriolanus/