THEATRE: ANATOMY TITUS FALL OF ROME
REVIEW BY FATIMA MALIK
It is surprising and perhaps disappointing how relevant Bell Shakespeare’s production of Anatomy Titus Fall of Rome is today. German author Heiner Muller’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s 16th century play, Titus Andronicus, is full of blood, guts and glory, and reflects on the futility of war, violence and revenge.
There is a power vacuum in Rome when Titus Andronicus and his captors return, victorious after a decade of military campaigns. What follow is an orgy of violence involving rape, beheadings and severed limbs. The production has plenty of asides, as the actors leave the stage to offer pithy social and political commentary, providing some moments of levity from the ongoing violence.
John Bell is particularly exhilarating as Titus Andronicus, and the rest of the all-male cast sustain the boisterous energy needed for such a physically demanding play. An all-male cast is appropriate given females are evidently non-existent in this world. The production veers on the long side but the fake blood that is flayed around the stage is sure to keep the bloodthirsty amongst us engaged, and for the pacifists Anatomy Titus Fall of Rome serves as a timely reminder of the ravages of war, as we near the end of our fifth year in Iraq.
Anatomy Titus Fall of Rome
Until November 22
Playhouse at The Sydney Opera House
Tickets: $30-$60, 9250 7777 or www.sydneyoperahouse.com
