Posted February 24, 1999

Described as a "raucous, bloody, thrilling dramatic conflict," Shakespeare's Coriolanus tells the story of a fierce warrior whose yield to tenderness ultimately destroys him.

Set in 449 B.C. Rome against the backdrop of the plebeian struggle for recognition in the patrician-dominated government, the play explores the delicate balance between the individual and society: without individuals, society becomes a blind destructive mass, and without community, the individual withers.

With fights, famine, betrayal, deception and occasional flashes of comedy, Shakespeare's last tragedy is deeply human and profoundly political.

Berkeley's Center for Theater Arts kicks off its spring season with a production of Coriolanus, Feb. 26 to March 14. Featuring a cast of more than 40 and live musical accompaniment, the show is one of the largest ever presented by the center.

Directed by dramatic arts graduate student Don Weingust and scored by Berkeley alum Keeril Makan, Coriolanus will be presented at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. All performances take place in Zellerbach Playhouse.

Admission is $12 general, $8 for faculty and staff and $6 for students and seniors. For tickets, call 642-9988.

A panel discussion, featuring Shakespearean scholars Janet Adelman and W.B. Worthen, will be presented in conjunction with the production Wednesday, March 3 at 3:30 p.m. in Zellerbach Playhouse. See news brief for more information.

February 24 - March 2, 1999 (Volume 27, Number 24)
Copyright 1999, The Regents of the University of California.
Produced and maintained by the Office of Public Affairs at UC Berkeley.
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