National Children’s Theatre in association with Renos Nicos Spanoudes presents William Shakespeare’s political tragedy, Coriolanus, the Grade12 Independent Examinations Board (IEB) setwork for English this year.
The production started travelling to schools nationwide from February and will end in June. Set in a time when Rome had been named a republic and was facing many internal and external threats.
Within Rome, the citizens were hungry and demanded that Rome’s corn be shared between the patricians and the plebians. Externally, Rome’s Volscian neighbours had launched an attack on Rome.
Caius Martius, a noble Roman soldier showcases his martial prowess at the city of Corioli, resulting in Rome’s victory and his new title, Coriolanus.
The play then unfolds into a nuanced presentation of Rome’s class clash between the plebeians and patricians in a nation of political power, political manipulation, revenge and honour.
The production asks the audience to impartially weigh the action unfolding on stage, resulting in reflections on current political systems and social responsibility.
Themes resonate strongly with South Africans and promote an interesting exchange during question and answer time after the show between pupils and actors.
Playing until June, the performance schedule is distributed on request and the play will travel to various IEB schools across South Africa and Swaziland, with public performances to be announced. Ticket prices are R100 per pupil.
Details: Cindy 011 484 1584 or cindy@nctt.org.za
