IU Theatre will begin its 2019 spring season with Shakespeare’s bloodiest tragedy Titus Andronicus. Considered to be Shakespeare’s first tragedy, written between 1588 and 1593, the play was likely meant to emulate the wildly popular violent revenge plays of Shakespeare’s contemporaries in the late 16th century.
The play is set during the latter days of the Roman Empire and tells the fictional story of Titus Andronicus, a general in the Roman army, and his return to Rome following a ten-year brutal war against the Goths. Shortly before Titus’ return, the Roman emperor dies leaving his two sons to quarrel over the matter of succession. This conflict of succession is further complicated when a tribune announces that the people’s choice for the new emperor is neither of the emperor’s sons, but is, instead, Titus. A series of violent events follow as Titus and Tamora, Queen of the Goths, embark in a tragic cycle of revenge.
This production is the third-year MFA Thesis project for director James Nelson and for scenic designer Jennie Fischer. Joining Nelson and Fischer on the creative team are fellow MFA students Elizabeth Grace Davis (Costume Designer) and Darrian Brimberry (Lighting Designer), faculty members Leraldo Anzaldua (Fight Choreographer) and Jenny McKnight (Intimacy Choreographer), and undergraduate students Kathryn de la Rosa (Sound Designer) and Abby Tauber (Stage Manager).
The cast of Titus Andronicus includes MFA students Isabelle Gardo, Daniel Meeks, Christopher Plonka, Peter Ruiz, and undergraduates Reid Henry as Titus and Julia Klinestiver as Tamora.
The College of Arts