It’s always a treat to be able to watch a play unfold in the midst of the wilderness that is the “Old Zoo” location of Independent Shakespeare’s summer location. And it’s profoundly fascinating to watch the actions unfold in and around the platform stage. Now, perhaps their most ambitious production has begun, playing through July. Coriolanus, a complicated political thriller full of intrigue and double-dealing, is made simpler to follow through a strategic cutting of Shakespeare’s layered script, putting the emphasis on the mother-son relationship that governs Coriolanus’ behavior.
The story itself is based on ancient sources that outline the early days of Rome’s development, showing the complicated relationships between city-states, as well as between plebians and aristocrats, making for a dense play, but one that echoes some of the issues we have today.
Beginning with a gaggle of townsfolk boisterously wandering to and fro amidst the audience, the play solidifies as Rome’s state begins to take shape. Gradually, we watch a semblance of order, as soldiers arrive from battle. Martius (played by Brent Charles), now renamed Coriolanus, is hailed for his daring deeds and the eight wounds he has accumulated. Since he is a hero now, he is offered a title and a political position, for which he is ill-suited. But his mother, Volumnia (played by Melissa Chalsma), is thrilled, and it is her ambition that drives him.
Volumnia’s scenes stand out in the otherwise rather complicated plotting, and provide the through-line to follow as Coriolanus moves from warrior to politician and back again. Early on, Coriolanus has an outstanding sword-fight (It’s Shakespeare, right?) with his arch-rival, Aufidius (played by Patrick Batiste) that is not to be missed. In other parts of the play, the myriad town- folk have opportunities to shake their pitchforks, helping understand that the peace is fragile.
Independent Shakespeare Company’s phalanx of designers are key to this out-door extravaganza. Instead of a grand backdrop, we can admire Garry Lennnon’s traditional costuming through Bosco Flanagan’s lighting. Also instrumental, (pardon the double entendre), are Chloe Pate’s sound, made up of David Melville’s compositions, as well as descriptive sounds that augment time and place. And, once again, David Melville weighs in with his original fight choreography.
Director David Melville does double duty as one of the Roman Senators, while co-Artistic Director,Melissa Chalsma is commanding as Coriolanus’ mother, Volumnia. In another time than Shakespeare’s, the play might have been named after her, for it is her over-weaning ambition that motivates her son in his exploits.
Coriolanus is the perfect selection that works on more than one level. This tragedy provides perfect leavening to prepare audiences for IndyShakes’ next production, Comedy of Errors!
Coriolanus continues Wednesday through Sunday at 7 pm in the Dell at the Old Zoo location in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California 90027, through July 26th, followed by Comedy of Errors Aug. 5th – Sept. 6th. (Free parking available at the Merry-Go-Round, lots 2 & 3). Be sure to arrive early to walk up to the site. General admission is FREE on the slopes surrounding the platform-in-the -round, but reservations are requested. Call 818-710-6306 or reserve online at www.indieshakes.org.
