ART
Titus Andronicus
by William Shakespeare
March 2 — March 30
Tornabene Theatre
Production Sponsor: University Park Marriott
One of Shakespeare's earliest plays, made popular by the 1999 film "Titus" starring Anthony Hopkins and Jessica Lange, Titus Andronicus is a sordid tale of revenge spawned from political turmoil. At the outset, Titus' loyalty to the Roman state is absolute and he displays his civic virtue in his willingness to sacrifice his sons in battle to preserve the empire. Yet under the rule of a new emperor and his wife, Queen of the Goths, Rome becomes an unjust place that preys on Titus' remaining family. Realizing that all of his sacrifices are in vain, Titus turns his fierce loyalty away from the state solely to the remnants of his kin, planning a vendetta against the royal family that will lead to their bloody end.
Director Brent Gibbs says that "Titus" was originally written to appease the public by giving them the graphic blood and gore they want, very similar to today's slasher movies, such as the "Saw" series. While Shakespeare's play is often seen as either a dark comedy or a tragic revenge play, Gibbs says his production will honor the traditional roots of the story by giving the audience "what it has craved since the first human life was offered to the gods for the communal good, namely, the Theatre of Sacrifice." There will be an emphasis on ritualistic violence, displayed in a mixture of realistic gore and stylized violence, with the ultimate goal of sending a message through this cautionary tale of revenge.
Audience Enrichment: Learn more about "Titus Andronicus" through exciting discussions, which are free and open to the public.
Pre-show discussion: March 13 at 6:45 p.m.; check signage in the Tornabene Theatre lobby for discussion location. Guest speakers will lead an exciting dialogue where you can get behind-the-scenes information about the production.
New! Symposium: "The Politics of Revenge": March 27 at 6:45 p.m. in the Drama Building, Room 125. "Titus" dramaturgs Emily Denison and Morgan McAslan will host a symposium for audience members. The panel will consist of UA Shakespeare Professor Fred Kiefer, Assistant Director Matthew Bowdren, and a representative from the UA Police Department, as well as other experts and members of the community. They will discuss the topic of revenge as it relates to the play and our world.
Experience more about "Titus Andronicus" through a new blog spot at http://web.cfa.arizona.edu/theatrestudies. It features photos, articles, and other information designed to enhance your experience with the show.
Read more about Titus...
Watch Interview with Director Brent Gibbs
We thought you might be interested in the seven minute video we created about our production of Titus Andronicus: "In the end, it's director Brent Gibbs who displays the greatest creativity, without coming between us and Shakespeare. He keeps the action on a human scale rather than resorting to monumental camp, makes good ...Read more
Show Photos
Marcus Andronicus, played by postgraduate student Jeremy Selim, offers the throne to his brother, Titus, played by UA professor Kevin Black, on behalf of the tribunes.
The queen's sons have ravished Titus' daughter, Lavinia, played by BFA Acting junior Lauren Stinson.
Marcus Andronicus, played by postgraduate student Jeremy Selim, reveals his ravaged niece, Lavinia, played by BFA Acting junior Lauren Stinson, to her father, Titus Andronicus, played by UA professor Kevin Black.
Titus Andronicus, played by UA professor Kevin Black, comforts his daughter, Lavinia, played by BFA Acting junior Lauren Stinson.
Titus Andronicus, played by UA professor Kevin Black, threatens his brother Marcus, played by postgraduate student Jeremy Selim, over a miscommunication in their revenge plans.
UA Fine Arts Box Office Details
Place: The Marroney and Tornabene Theatres are located on the UA Campus at the southeast corner of Park Avenue and Speedway Boulevard.
Cost/Admission: New season subscriptions will be offered beginning mid-July from $88 - $130 for a six-show season and from $58 - $86 for a four-show season. Single tickets to individual events go on sale to the general public on May 29 for the summer production of Broadway Bound and on August 13 for the remainder of the season.
Ticket Information: The UA Fine Arts Box Office is located at 1025 N. Olive, near the southeast corner of Park Avenue and Speedway Boulevard. Phone: (520) 621-1162, Fax: (520) 626-8052. A convenience fee of $3.00 per order will be charged for phone orders. If you would like your tickets mailed to you, there is an additional $1.50 fee per order. Box Office hours are as follows:
Now to May 3: M-F, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. & 1 hour before show time.
May 7 to May 25: M-F, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 29 to June 29: M–F, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. & 1 hour before show time.
July 2 to July 6: CLOSED
July 9 to August 10: M-F, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
August 13 to December 5: Regular hours, M-F, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. & 1 hour before show time.
Parking: Theatregoers may park in the Park Avenue Garage, located on Park Avenue just north of Speedway Boulevard.
