Titus Andronicus
Performed at Gallaudet University's Eastman Studio Theatre
May 29th - June 22nd, 2014
*Helen Hayes Awards Recommended*
Comedy is a tragedy happening to someone else...
Seneca’s grisly Roman tragedies came back into vogue during the Renaissance, and Commedia dell’Arte players included their own violent delights in their repertoire of shows. These “tragic” Commedia pieces were known under the genre of opera reggia, the “royal works” featuring nobles behaving badly - very badly indeed...
Shakespeare knew of this genre both from Seneca’s classical writings and from the contemporary performances of itinerant Italian players. He clearly had these in mind when penning Titus Andronicus, his own contribution to the genre of Renaissance horror story. The play is not exactly a barrel of laughs, but it is too shocking to stomach as a drama. Faction’s fifth season ends with a shriek, as we bring you the funniest version yet of Shakespeare’s bloodiest play. In the Fools’ darkly comic take, something wicked becomes something wickedly delightful. Titus Andronicus will feature scenic design by Gallaudet Theatre head Ethan Sinnott and blood effects by local goremeister Casey Kaleba. You’ll die laughing.
Written by: William Shakespeare
Adapted and Directed by: Matthew R. Wilson
Assistant Director: Rachel Spicknall Mulford
Stage Manager: Sarah Conte
Assistant Stage Manager: Kathryn Dooley
Dramaturg: Natalie Tenner
Sign Consultant/Interpreter: Dr. Lindsey D. Snyder, Fight Direction: Casey Kaleba & Matthew R. Wilson, Blood Effects: Casey Kaleba
Starring: Charlie Ainsworth+, Nello DeBlasio, Cori Dioquino, Chema Pineda-Fernández, Daniel Flint, Christina Marie Frank, Tyler Herman, Manu Kumasi, Miranda Medugno+, Toby Mulford, and Matthew Pauli
Scenic Design: Ethan Sinnott, Lighting Design: Michael Barnett, Costume Design: Denise Umland, Sound Design & Music Composition: Thomas Sowers, Properties Design & Assistant Blood Effects: Kristen Pilgrim, Mask Design: Aaron Cromie, Production Photography: Teresa Wood Photograpy
Running time: approx 2 hrs, with one intermission; Appropriate for ages 13 and up.
+Gallaudet student intern
The Washington Post calls Titus,
“visually arresting” “sanguineous bliss”
Read the full review, HERE!
“Highly Recommended” says DC Theatre Scene
“it will be be difficult to imagine Titus being played straight ever again”
Read the full review, HERE!
DC Metro Theater Arts gives ★★★★★,
and raves, “very bloody and very funny”
Read the full review, HERE!
Read our feature story in The Washington Post, HERE!
Read our feature story in On Tap Magazine, HERE!