Theater Reviews

Jul 7, 2004 - Shakespeare's "Titus Andronicus" at the Bruka Theatre is a bloody mess

By Jack Neal

Shakespeare's "Titus Andonicus" is a bloody mess. Not because the presentation by Reno's Bruka Theatre is a mess, although the way the play has been costumed doesn't clarify much. Shakespeare's creepy first tragedy is just plain bloody.

Ten major murders, two mutilations and one itty-bitty touch of cannibalism doesn't exactly make "Titus" Saturday morning cartoon fare for kids unless parents are raising a Hanibal Lecter. Shakespeare must have had Mel Gibson in mind when he wrote this play. Its nearly three hour running time is drenched in so much blood, dismemberment and gore it makes Gibson's "Passion of Christ" look like "The Wizard of Oz." Live and die by the sword someone once said. Everyone, it seems, in this play's large cast does both.

Directed by Michael Grimm with speed and considerable style the production zips along to its horrific conclusion without missing one spurt of blood or gurgle and twitch of death. Grimm has created a stripped down version of the show, allowing the play to be underdstood on the merit of its words rather than the clarity of its action. That's why the costuming is so curious. It should separate the men from the boys, and good guys from the bad guys, but instead throws the play dangerosuly in the direction of camp and melodramatic comedy. Playing "Titus" for its laughs is a stretch, although as an Artown feature a Shakespearean "Rocky Horror Show" isn't such a bad idea.

Played out on an attractive set dominated by a white circular staircase more in keeping with building a stairway to paradise than a platform to hell, Bruka's "Titus Andronicus" can't quite be called an achievement. What it is, is a good presentation of one of Shakespeare's less than triumphant plays.

Believed to have been written in 1590, when plays loaded with violence were popular, "Titus" is one of Shakespeare's problem plays. Titus, a Roman general has lost 21 sons during his many battles with the Goths, led by Queen Tamora. His refusal to spare the life of Tamora's eldest son sets off a war of escalating revenge the bloodthursty will love without the introspection and character development of the Bard's later and better plays intellectuals might enjoy. The good news is that all involved, director included, give their all to bring this troubled play to some kind of coherent life.

With no motivation for his vile actions, the true villain of the piece is Aaron, the Moor and (not so) secret lover of Tamora. Derek Evans is a first rate Aaron until he's captured. Then his limp resistance at the hands of his captors looks more like fun and games with cops and robbers than an arrogant man resisting captivity. As Tamora, Mary Bennett is the play's driving force. Using her greed for revenge to fuel the conflagrations that ensue, Bennett is a force to be reckoned with.

As Titus, Bob Ives gives an all too tentative performance early on, hardly the battle weary but highly competent general Titus is supposed to be. That having been said, when Ives is "on," his character comes vividly to life and beathes life into the entire venture. "Titus Andronicus's" most poignant scene is between Titus's brother, Marcus (solidly acted by James Scoggins), and his brutalized daughter, Lavinia (sensitively realized by Janine Burgener), and is beautifully managed by both actors.

Also worthy of special mention: Mike Maupin gives a nicely nuanced performance as Titus's remaining son, Lucius; Brian Barney a standout as Saturninus, Emperor of Rome; John Rutski (Bassanius), Walter Hawkins (Demetrius) and Dirk Miller (Chiron), along with many others, who more than hold their own providing gripping performances in a challenging play.

"Titus Andronicus" is worth seeing because this production is worth experiencing, and because this flawed play is so rarely produced Shakespearean fans need to take advantage of the play's presence in Reno during Artown.

"Titus Andronicus" runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through July 31 (2004) at the Bruka Theatre, 99 North Virginia Street, Reno. For information call 775-323-3221.