Shakespeare's "Coriolanus" at Wolfpack Theatre
More of a war story than a traditional historical tragedy, “Coriolanus” is one of the final great works composed by William Shakespeare.
With fast-action fight scenes and intense special effects, The Wolfpack Theatre Company will present Shakespeare’s “Coriolanus” March 6-8 at 7:45 p.m. in the Wolfpack Theatre at Glacier High School.
After sacrificing every part of himself for the benefit of his city, Coriolanus, a decorated war hero, finds his beloved Rome turning against him. In retribution, Coriolanus goes on a bloody quest for vengeance and allies himself with his former enemies to do what he does best—smash some skulls on the battlefield. Before the play’s tragic end, Coriolanus finds himself regarded as a traitor by both Rome and its rivals with his greatness forgotten.
“Coriolanus is an incredible warrior, unmatched by all but one, Aufidius, his sworn enemy. He has won many battles for Rome, but when his alleged pride and arrogance lands him in exile, Coriolanus must choose to die alone and bitter, or to take revenge upon those who have wronged him,” director Ryan Motley said. “I chose this play because it is a great work of Shakespeare that is often unknown and, with all of the fighting, it allows for students to learn and enjoy new techniques that are not found in other plays.”
Although it is set in the very early days of Rome, “Coriolanus” is a remarkably timeless tale about political intrigue and treachery and has many themes that are still valid in today’s world.
“Coriolanus has many themes; pride, jealousy, revenge, and all of these are found in our production, however this production is beyond your normal Shakespeare ... we have created an intense spectacle of music, lights, stage combat and blood,” said Motley. “This show will be Shakespeare as you have never seen it. This show is set in a post-apocalyptic nuclear wasteland. It is the future, but people have returned to some primitive ways. It is full of intense fight scenes, excellent acting and some great effects.
“The set is like nothing I have seen in the Wolfpack Theatre and incorporates a very unique audience configuration (in the round).”
With the use of so many special effects and intense fight scenes the Wolfpack Theatre Company cautions its patrons to consider the content and craft of the production before bringing young children.
“This show will have loud music, effects, some intense lighting scenes, stage combat and stage blood,” said Motley. “This is a Shakespeare tragedy meaning there is a lot of death. Small children probably should not attend.”
The cast of “Coriolanus” includes Aaron Robinson, Dylan Gibson, Jaclyn Rensel, Teesa Palmatier, Jacob Wutke, Trey Shields, Mikayla Wilson, Aleesha Hillis, Tristen Lang, Kaleb Turner, Kara Brown, Ian Wheeler, Francis Loviska, Renee Barker, Alec Willis, Mount, Dylan Crandell, Rebecca Ames, Joey O’Myer, Abbey Van Allen, Simon Richter and Ben Habel as Coriolanus.
Supporting the cast from behind the scenes, Anika Fritz, Josie Jolly, Josh Pitt, Brendan Prendez, Jerry Sandler, Gracey Ortel, Nathan McGregor, Talyia Gironda, Abi Vanorny and Grant Bergman make up the sound, lighting and stage crew.
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children, students and senior citizens and are available at the GHS main office and Photo Video Plus.