Coriolanus (6-18 Nov)

Coriolanus is the name given to a Roman general after his more than adequate military success against various uprisings challenging the government of Rome. Following this success, Coriolanus becomes active in politics and seeks political leadership.

In this full-throttle war play that revels in the sweat of the battlefield, The Royal Shakespeare Company transports us back to the emergence of the republic of Rome.

Caius Martius Coriolanus is a fearless soldier but a reluctant leader. His ambitious mother attempts to carve him a path to power, yet he struggles to change his nature and do what is required to achieve greatness. Now he must decide who he really is and where his allegiances lie.

Set in a new city state struggling to find its feet, where the gap between rich and poor widens every day, this visceral production opens the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Rome season in London.

Director Angus Jackson directs rising talent Sope Dirisu in the title role.

The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Caius Marcius Coriolanus. The tragedy is numbered as one of the last two tragedies written by Shakespeare, along with Antony and Cleopatra.

6-18 Nov Coriolanus, Barbican Theatre https://www.barbican.org.uk for details and tickets