The Tragedy of Coriolanus Staged

Directed by Lin Zhaohua and Yi Liming and starred by Pu Cunxin, the Tragedy of Coriolanus was began at the capital theater on November 27 and will run through December16.

The Tragedy of Coriolanus is adapted from Shakespeare’s later work, Coriolanus, which is different from his early works. Finished in 1608 and published in 1923, the play was based on a legendary Roman hero from the 5th century B.C. named Caius Marcius. Marcius was very proud of his deeds and considered himself better than all other men. His oversuspicious and irascible nature finally led him to offend the public so he was banished from Rome. Out of rage, Coriolanus headed to the city of Antium to help Aufidius and the Volsces defeat the Roman Empire and seize Rome itself. His mother tried to dissuade Coriolanus from attacking his own people and family in Rome. Marcius accepted his mother’s advice, but the Volsces were displeased with Marcius for giving up the chance to attack Rome. Eventually, Marcius was killed in the war by the Volsces for his betrayal.

Compared to Shakespeare’s other works, this play is rarely performed on stage, because it presented the complexity of the social relations.

In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Chinese drama, the Tragedy of Coriolanus is the first play rehearsed by the Beijing People’s Art Theatre. And the Chinese edition of Coriolanus was the last translated works of Ying Ruocheng, the famous artist and translator of China.

This tragedy fully reflects the weakness of human nature. Director Lin uses rock 'n' roll to present the powerful heroic story and represent the conflict between individual and society,.

The actor’s line of Shakespeare’s play has always been regarded as classic. According to the leading actor Pu Cunxin, clear and passionate actor line delivery is an important factor in attracting audiences.

By Feng Hui