(Anthony Michael Martinez, Zack Lopez Roa, Howard W. Overshown, Blair Baker, Enid Graham, Anthony Michael Lopez, Matthew Amendt, Patrick Page, and Francesca Faridany in Titus Andronicus Photo by Carol Rosegg)

by Tim Leininger

NEW YORK — Pershing Square Signature Center is flowing with blood with its brutally violent but wildly entertaining adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus, directed by Jesse Berger.

            Starring Patrick Page as the titular Titus, Titus Andronicus is not for the weak of heart. It is violent, aggressive, and tortured, as we watch him execute a son of Tamora, Queen of the Goths (Francesca Faridany), who is a prisoner. After backing the wrong man as heir to the Roman throne, Saturninus (Matthew Amendt), Saturninus has his own brother, Bassianus (Howard W. Overshown) killed. The killers rape Titus’ daughter Lavinia (Olivia Reis) — who was betrothed to Bassianus — cut her tongue out and chop off her hands. This sets into motion a grand scheme of revenge as Titus looks to overthrow Emperor Saturninus and avenge his daughter.

            Shakespeare tackles an array of issues with one of his bloodiest plays, from family honor, political conspiracy, women’s autonomy, and nationalistic devotion. His perspective on race reads problematic with Tamora’s lover Aaron (McKinley Belcher III), a Moor who helps conspire with her to take greater control of Rome. Her being a Goth also projects racism and fear of the other. Berger does a good job, though, of showing how regardless of Shakespeare’s presentation of Tamora and Aaron, that Titus isn’t much better, as his traditions are just as horrific, and that regardless of their actions, Tamora and Aaron’s grievances with Rome aren’t unjustified. It’s how they play out their greivances that is the problem.

(Jesse Aaronson, Amy Jo Jackson, Adam Langdon, McKinley Belcher III, Francesca Faridany. Photo by Carol Rosegg)

            What Berger, along with the more than capable cast does is, manage the brutality in a way that the audience can stay engaged without running from the grossout. The first few acts are disgusting at times with some graphic body horror. Berger balances it later by bringing levity in Titus’ bloodthirst. It risks over villainizing Tamora and Aaron instead of balancing the duality of their sins versus Titus’, but it works because Saturninus is in the effective mix, and he is the most cartoonish of the bunch. It makes everything feel like the real problem is the ineffectiveness of bad governance. Titus arguably holds as much responsibility for what happens to him for making poor political choices that instigate everything.

            Page is perfect, as always, giving a master class on Shakespearean acting in the modern age. Along with Berger’s direction, nothing ever feels pretentious or incomprehensive. The language flows from the performers with instinctive ease. Amendt’s performance as Saturninus does get a bit too cartoonish at times, and I would have preferred it being reined in at times. He seems like he’s in a totally different play at times.

            Blessings for the stage crew who must clean up Beowulf Boritt’s stylized white columned stage as blood streaks across it every performance. The little trappings around the set where people disappear, props are hidden, and body parts are hacked off; it isn’t always subtle, but it is effective.

(Anthony Michael Lopez, Anthony Michael Martinez, Patrick Page, Zack Lopez Roa. Photo by Carol Rosegg)

Titus Andronicus is one of the best adaptations of Shakespeare I’ve seen in a long time. It’s gritty, it’s brutal, but it nails the message of how poor decisions, especially political ones, snowball into tragedies that create greater conflict and deeper despair.

PRODUCTION

Written by William Shakespeare; Directed by Jesse Berger; Scenic Designer: Beowulf Boritt; Costume Designer: Emily Rebholz; Lighting Designer: Jiyoun Chang; Composer & Sound Designer: Adam Wernick; Sound Designer: Shannon Slaton; Properties Supervisor: Anya Kutner; Wig & Makeup Designer: Tommy Kurzman; Fight Director & Intimacy Coordinator: Rick Sordelet; Voice & Speech Coach: Dawn-Elin Fraser; Dramaturg: Ayanna Thompson; Production Stage Manager: Jenn McNeil; Production Manager: Gary Levinson; General Manager: Michaelos Management: Casting Director: Alexandre Bleau; Press Representatives: David Gersten & Associates; Managing Director: Sherri Kotimsky; Marketing & Operation Manager: Jessica Fornear; Production Director: Nathan Winkelstein

CAST

Roman Leaders

Matthew Amendt as Saturninus, eldest son of the late Emperor of Rome

Howard W. Overshown as Bassianus, his brother, betrothed to Lavinia

Enid Graham as Marcia Andronicus, Tribune of the People

Patrick Page as Titus Andronicus, General, brother of Marcia

Titus’ three sons

Anthony Michael Lopez as Lucius

Zack Lopez Roa as Quintus

Anthony Michael Martinez as Mutius

Olivia Reis as Lavinia, Titus’ daughter

Goths & Associates

Francesca Faridany as Tamora, Queen of the Goths

Tamora’s three sons

Blair Baker as Alarbus

Jesse Aaronson as Chiron

Adam Langdon as Demetrius

McKinley Belcher III as Aaron, a Moor, Tamora’s lover