Antony and Cleopatra

“Come You Spirits” co-producers Charles Mayer and Jo Bloom lead this production that concentrates on the romantic tragedy of Shakespeare’s play, touching only briefly on the political situation that took Antony backwards and forwards between Rome and Alexandria. This means that only fragments of the play are included – and though the acting is moving and the language beautifully spoken, it is only part of the play.

The production is described as “immersive” and this includes as series of “slowing down” relaxation tactics used by the storyteller, Nathan Meola. For some theatre goers this could be unnerving or even annoying and perhaps should be explained more explicitly in the publicity for these adaptations. The word “immersive” is insufficient.

The production begins in the foyer of the Lounge, where Meola meanders among the audience, slowly introducing the scene until, eventually, Antony, (Mayer), Cleopatra (Bloom) and her maid-in-waiting Charmian (Charley Allanah) move though the audience to the raised foyer stage and take up the story.

In Shakespeare’s elegant language they expose the depth of the lovers’ affection as well as Antony’s concern about his critics in Rome. When he receives a message calling him back to Rome to join the fight against Pompey, and telling him of his wife Fulvia’s death, he rushes off to Rome leaving Cleopatra distraught.

Meola then slowly guides the audience into the Lounge where, in a sumptuous apartment, Cleopatra learns of Antony’s marriage to the sister of Octavius Caesar in a bid to cement the bond between the two soldier statesmen. Consumed by anger and jealousy, Cleopatra asks Charmian to conjure a draught that will let her see Octavia and the description of the plain Roman woman assuages her despair.

Back in the Foyer, and another lingering link by Meola, Antony is back in battle against Octavius in Egypt. When Cleopatra’s ship deserts him he is angry. Cleopatra, in fear, pretends to be dead and hides in her monument.

Meola then ushers the audience back to the Lounge which is now Cleopatra’s dark, candle-lit monument. Antony, cruelly wounded, finds her there, their love is rekindled but when Antony dies, Cleopatra calls Charmian to bring a poisonous snake, which kills her. So the lovers die together. As the audience begins to applaud they are stilled by the ever-present Meola – and Bloom comes out of character to take them through another soulful, wellness farewell.

The lavish set and beautiful costumes designed by Art Director Letitia Hodgkinson are a feature of the production. Fluted columns and waving palm fronds and golden drapes adorn the set suggesting the luxury of the nobility of the time. Cleopatra and Charmian wear flowing robes in desert colours and Egyptian turquoise with gold accessories. In a bid to “prevent waste and promote eco-friendly theatre productions”, Hodgkinson has ensured that all but 10% of her designs are made from recycled materials

This sort of theatre is not my “cup of tea” but it may be yours. If so, Come You Spirits will be presenting more of their adaptations in this very interesting space at the Concourse.

Carol Wimmer

Images: Syl Marie Photography