Written by William
Shakespeare
Directed by Peter
Evans
Bell Shakespeare
The Playhouse,
Canberra Theatre Centre to 21 April
Reviewed by Len Power
13 April 2018
Don’t expect lots of pomp and ceremony in Bell Shakespeare’s
new production of ‘Antony and Cleopatra’.
This production presents these famous characters from ancient history as
recognizably down-to-earth contemporary human beings. Director, Peter Evans, cleverly gives us a
through-the-keyhole look at how these people behave when they are not on show
to the general public. Behind the scenes
like this is when the real political work is done.
The doomed love affair between Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt and
Roman General, Mark Antony, plays out against ten years of political rivalry
between the Roman triumvirate of Mark Antony himself, Octavius Caesar and
Marcus Lepidus. Shakespeare shows us how
these powerful people make decisions but, at the same time, shows the character
flaws that will influence those decisions and ultimately their destiny.
 |
| Catherine McClements and Johnny Carr |
Cleopatra, as played by Catherine McClements, is a highly
sophisticated, intelligent and witty person who is in no doubt about her
position and power. Mark Antony, played
by Johnny Carr, struggles to keep up with her on every level. We wonder what has brought them together and
how long it can last. Both performers
give excellent portrayals of great strength and subtlety. Johnny Carr is very effective in his display
of emotional turmoil as Mark Antony’s world crashes around him.
Lucy Goleby is impressive as the powerful Pompey, Zinzi
Okenyo is a strong and sophisticated Charmian and Gareth Reeves and Jo Turner give
finely etched characterizations as the generals, Octavius and Lepidus
respectively. Ray Chong Nee is a fine
Enobarbus and Ursula Mills as Octavia, Joseph Del Re as Menas, Steve Rodgers as
Agrippa and Janine Watson as Alexas all give fine performances.
 |
| Left to Right: Lucy Goleby, Gareth Reeves, Zinzi Okenyo, Janine Watson and Catherine McClements |
The production designer, Anna Cordingley, has produced an
eye-catching modern set which creates the right atmosphere for this production
and her stylish costumes for the cast have been well chosen. The show has an excellent lighting design by
Benjamin Cisterne and Max Lyandvert’s sound and music compositions complement
the set and lighting very well.
Peter Evans has given us a production that breathes life
into these ancient characters. By making
us close observers he gives us an insight into a world that is normally closed
to us and makes it accessible and very entertaining as well.
Photos by Heidrun Lohr
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in his ‘On Stage’ performing arts program
on Monday and Wednesday at 3.30pm.
