AP+Critique+of+Titus+Andronicus

Ally Parker Richmond Theatre 2000 17 April 2017 Critique of Titus Andronicus Titus Andronicus is Shakespeare’s first tragedy. Set back in the late years of the Roman Empire and based on a cycle of deadly revenge, the play is filled with blood and gore and intense violence. Titus Andronicus, a general in the Roman military is asked to be emperor of the Roman Empire, but he denies the offer and nominates Saturnis for the job. He soon regrets this decision because Saturnis turns out to be an irresponsible and selfish leader in every way. In a rash manner, he makes Tamora the Queen of Goths his empress. Because Titus was responsible for the death of one of Tamora’s sons for sacrifice, Tamora intends to reek ultimate havoc on Titus Andronicus’s family in revenge. I think Shakespeare told his story amazingly through this show. The story is clearly portrayed through the dialogue and character development. I have never interacted with this script so I cannot be sure that the story is accurately depicted in the performance, but as far as I know, it is. Even with the difficult Shakespearean language, I was never lost or confused. The story has a clear message and clear goals for each character. Therefore, I think Shakespeare told his story well. I also think this subject matter was worthwhile for the most part. Shakespeare was writing this gory, violent play in a time when this type of plot was common among his contemporaries; therefore, back then, this subject matter was definitely relevant and worthwhile to his audience then. They related in a more physical, real life way to this show, so in that way, the play was a success. It also relates to us now but in a more abstract and moral way. I think the most important and relevant theme in the show, that is worthwhile to us, is revenge. Tamora’s intentions to kill as many loved ones of Titus is a clear portrayal of how intense people’s need for revenge can be. It brings to light the need for understanding, compassion and self control in humanity. This and several other examples of moral flaws in humanity are depicted in this play and are worthwhile to us. Through intense vocal choices, body movements and blocking and interactions with one another, I think the actors did an excellent job in successfully portraying the author’s intent. The show was incredible. I enjoyed it so much. I think the actors made such deliberate choices that made everything so clear without being obnoxious or obvious. It was easy to tell that each had a clear and specific goal and a plan to achieve it. Tamora, for example, was amazing. She wanted revenge on Titus Andronicus, and even the way she blinked made that evident. Her voice would grow more powerful and more angry when she spoke of him and more soft and sweet when she spoke to her gullible husband. In terms of the physical production of this show, it was definitely a realistic approach. The set was incredible and so elaborate. The raised floor was at a slant and there was an actual dark pit under that the actors could walk in and out of. This truly enhanced the show’s quality. They also had bloody hands, and heads in bags that actually looked real. The costumes were detailed and true to period; they definitely added a lot to the context of the performance. I was so impressed with all of the physical aspects of this production. I would say the physical aspects of this performance were superb. The audience responded fairly well. There were not many audible reactions because it was not a funny show, but because of the intensity, the audience was completely silent and tuned in to what was going on. Between the acts, there was not much talk of the actual performance, so I would say my opinion of the show was not very influenced by this. However, I did hear some people commenting on the large amount of violence and blood already in the first act and how well the actors were taking on Shakespearean dialogue. I would definitely recommend this play to anyone. I enjoyed it a lot, and I think most people would as well. I usually take the time to advertise shows and make them known to my community because I am a theater person and I know how important word of mouth can be. Being a Shakespearean play, I have already read several other plays of his, but I am always open to reading and researching ones that I haven’t before.