Coriolan/us
An immersive re-imagination of Coriolanus for the era of 24-hour news, of celebrity culture, and of a new global politics, performed at the WW2 aircraft Hangar 858 in St Athan, South Wales.
Running August 8th to 18th as part of the London 2012 Festival, the production attracted widespread critical acclaim.
Based on Shakespeare and Brecht, Coriolan/us was directed by Mike Pearson and Mike Brookes and music was composed by John Hardy, with assistance from Benjie Talbott.
The production was by National Theatre Wales in association with the Royal Shakespeare Company, commissioned for the World Shakespeare Festival, part of the London 2012 Festival.
“Another atmospheric creation... the ominous beat of John Hardy’s dramatic composition pulses through headphones as we are ushered into the hangar.”
“An outstanding production that makes several big points about the theatre today... an unforgettable political and personal drama: rich, tough and resonant... another tremendous feat.”
“**** Spectacularly immersive... it is the immediacy of the events that grabs you.”
“Un o’r profiadau theatrig mwyaf anhygoel dwi erioed wedi profi.”
“A soundtrack by composer John Hardy plays throughout, which really adds to the eerie atmosphere.”
“**** Unique atmosphere... what is really striking about Pearson and Brookes’ production is its simplicity. The stark surroundings allow us to concentrate on the words.”
“**** Gripping... a production that brilliantly conveys the confusion, unpredictability and opportunism of civil strife.”
“**** A thrilling experience... powerful stuff.”
Find out more at World Shakespeare Festival.
Music and Production Credits
Composed by John Hardy and Benjie Talbott
Project Managed by John Hardy
Photos by Aled Treharne