Coriolanus by William Shakespeare February 27, 2009

Coriolanus: for the first time since the 19th century

Jack Paterson and team return to the Jericho Arts Centre Following the critical success of Titus Andronicus, Jack Paterson returns to the Jericho Arts Centre with his reinvention of another neglected Shakespeare text: Coriolanus.

It would seem that this will be the first professional production in Vancouver since the late19th century, when a touring troupe brought their show to town.

According to RB Parker, editor of the Oxford University edition of the play, Coriolanus is the most brilliant political play ever written. Through its exploration of what happens to a solider during peacetime, it is a powerfully relevant study of the relationship between
personality and politics. For his heroism in war, Coriolanus is nominated for the office of Roman consul. Immediately, his opponents seize on his one fatal flaw: his refusal to play the political games demanded by the public of their leaders. The hero becomes a hated outcast – vowing terrible revenge on his own community.

Paterson and his team have carved out a reputation for creating gripping productions of Shakespeare that uncover the core of the work, making it relevant for today’s audiences. In 2006, Paterson received the Ray Michal Award of Work by an Emerging Director; a recognition for a body of work that includes Titus Andronicus (five Jessie nominations; Vancouver Courier & Vancouverplays.com best theatre of 2006 lists), Shakespeare’s R&J (two Jessie nominations and also on the Courier best of list for 2006), Julius Caesar (two Jessie nominations, Vancouver Courier Best of List) and The Tempest (one Jessie nomination)

Joining Paterson will be a fantastic cast and crew featuring Ian Butcher as Coriolanus and Gwynyth Walsh as Volumnia, and also Corina Akeson, Chris Cochrane, Anna Cummer, Josh Drebit, Evan Frayne, Keith Martin Gordey, Adam Henderson, Paul Herbert, Anthony F. Ingram, Sebastian Kroon, Ashley Liu, Una Memisevic, Christina Schild, Cailin Stadnyk and Troy Young.

Set Design by Al Frisk; Costume Design by Moira Fentum; Lighting Design by James Foy; Props by Julia Henderson; Sound Design by Corina Akeson & Jeff Tymoschuk; Fight Choreography by F. Braun McAsh & Sebastian de Castell; Stage Managed by Susan Currie Assistant Directed by Quinn Harris

Official Website: http://bardatjac.com