A modern retelling that masterfully remade this classic tale
Cleopatra’s Antony, directed by the talented Mo Korede, reimagined Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra with a powerful, contemporary twist. This production went beyond simply retelling the classic story; it explored the layers of Cleopatra through three actors, each embodying a different facet of the Queen’s character.
The opening scene was so well choreographed, perfectly setting up the mood of the play right away. The set design itself deserves special mention, with a mesmerising design of patterns that still allowed the focus to be kept on the actors. The combination of smoke and orange-red lighting captured the intensity of both Cleopatra and Antony’s relationship, pairing beautifully with the shifting tones of the characters’ emotions, adding yet another layer to the overall experience.
One of the most inventive choices in this production was the decision to use durags as crowns. Worn by the coolest depictions of Antony and Caesar I’ve ever seen, these durags became a playful yet symbolic representation of power and authority. The decision to split Cleopatra into three roles, portrayed by three talented young actresses, was truly the standout for me. Each actress brought a unique flavour to Cleopatra, using different accents and subtle variations in personality to portray the complexity of a queen torn between love and power. Their voices, harmonising in beautiful and slightly haunting unison was wonderful to listen to.
The musical choices were another standout feature, particularly during the fight scenes, where the soundtrack made me want to dance but also to fight along with them. In quieter moments, the use of soft humming and singing filled the space with a continuous flow, bridging scenes seamlessly. This lack of abrupt silence between scenes kept me immersed in the world of the play, even during transitions.
Despite the complexities of Shakespeare’s language, the young cast delivered clear and compelling performances that made the story accessible, even for those unfamiliar with the original text. Their energy, confidence, and dedication were evident, and Mo Korede’s direction ensured that the story’s essence shone through in each scene. This was unlike any interpretation I’ve seen before, and it was both visually and musically pleasing to experience.