"(Theatre for a New Audience's) recent production of Julius Caesar confirms Karin Coonrod as the leading director of Shakespeare in America." - John Heilpern, The New York Observer

THE PLAY

On the heels of her distinguished productions of Julius Caesar and King John, director Karin Coonrod rejoins us for what’s sure to be an exciting new production of Shakespeare’s CORIOLANUS - a play whose polarizations mirror our world.

Shakespeare’s text is central in Coonrod’s stagings which are also known for lucidity, strong acting and lack of ornamentation. She sees CORIOLANUS as a tragedy of Coriolanus and the people—where titles of scenes written on walls dramatize the collision between politics and humanity.

When Coriolanus, saves Rome by defeating the Volscians, the patricians nominate him for Consul. But, the nomination must be approved by the people who hate Coriolanus, who despises them in return. When Coriolanus is accused of treason, the people force the patricians to banish Coriolanus from Rome forever. Outraged, Coriolanus joins the Volscians and their general, Aufidius, to attack Rome. Defenseless without a military leader, the patricians and plebians are desperate for Coriolanus to save them. When Volumnia, Coriolanus’ mother, implores him to return, he relents knowing Aufidius will assasinate him for the betrayal. Coriolanus is given a hero’s funeral. Peace is celebrated. One of the play’s memorable lines is “What is a city, but the people.” Shakespeare portrays a polarized city-state where the heroic individual and the common people share no common values.

Christian Camargo, in the title role, is known for his acclaimed performances in Skylight on Broadway, Kit Marlowe at The Public and Henry V with Mark Rylance at Shakespeare's Globe.

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