Coriolanus

WAAPA's Third Year Students brought this less-often-performed Shakespearian tragedy to life with passion, creating a performance that was highly energised, fascinating and moving.

Set on an almost bare set, a beautiful veneer of marble is peeling away to reveal that not all is right in Rome. Chris Brain's set marked the tone for the play as the actors burst onto the stage.

Title character Caius Martius, later Coriolanus, is given great depth by Angus McLarun, who plays this role with determination in a thoughtfully portrayed downfall.

Kieran-Clancy Lowe, Guiseppe Rotondella and Will McNeil bring authority with personality to their roles as Roman leaders.

Junius Brutus and Sicinius Velutus are played by Kate Betcher and Lukas Radovich with youthful idealism, with performances that trace their characters' self realisation.

The Volscian General against Rome is powerfully played by Alexander Daly, nicely attended by Lachlan Ruffy.

Coriolanus' household is populated by some powerful women. Anneliese Apps was stunning as Coriolanus' mother Volumnia, Emma O'Sullivan was delightful as enthusiastic family friend Valeria, and Sarah Greenwood played wife Virgilia with quiet determination.

Darcy Stokes is not (yet) a WAAPA student, but this Primary School Student played Young Martius with understanding and lovely feeling. He shared the role with Oliver Haluszkiewicz.

The smaller roles, senators, soldiers, messengers, citizens, servants and the like, were all played with complete dedication and ease of delivery, in a production that moved swiftly and clearly. Fight scenes were particularly effective, wonderfully choreographed by Andy Fraser and executed with ferocity.

Almost completely underscored with music performed live by WAAPA percussionists Amelia Jutilane-Maynard and Arund Pearce, adding to a sense of urgency and highlighting shifts of power as part of an excellent sound design by Chris Mulchinock.

WAAPA's productions not only develop the talents of actors but extend and showcase students of lighting, sound, stage management and set construction.

Standouts in Coriolanus included the highly detailed costumes designed by Tyler Hill, and the lighting designed by Alex Woodmansey, which was key to the emotional journey. Front of House was expertly managed under the leadership of students Angela George and Isaac Bavcevic.

Coriolanus was delivered with integrity, energy and great understanding, which made it a pleasure to experience.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Jon Green.