The current production of Titus Andronicus at the Globe Theatre in London has the sort of theatrical courage that all Globe productions, indeed all Shakespeare productions, should have. Much like the play, this production takes risks, and they pay off big time.
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Sheldrake on Shakespeare 
Sorry if this is a repeat- I tried to post something the other day but I wasn’t sure if it got through.
I enjoyed this review of Titus Andronicus at the Globe. I loved the original production in 2006 and went back a few times. This year’s production is as good- still a stunning piece of theatre that turns a weak play into my favourite theatre production of all.
The highlight for me comes after the build-up of distress/concern, particularly with THAT scene. The tension carries on during the second half, only slightly lightened by moments of farcical humour. The climax is not the final death and mayhem scene, but the moment when the actors do their jig. The tension is replaced with joy, the actors are happy and laughing and members of the audience leave the theatre with beaming smiles on their faces. This takes some doing after such a gruesome three hours, even though the time flies by so quickly. I have never experienced anything quite like that in any other play, either at the Globe or elsewehere.
By the way, I would love to hear you do a podcast on the jigs and their effect on the audience’s perception of the performance.
The 2006 production was famous for the numbers of audience members who fainted, although when I talk to the stewards the number of fainting people in any one production keeps on rising. Having said that, I witnessed about 6 in one group of American schoolgirls in 2006 in one performance, so talk of 40 or so is just about feasible.
I try to see every English language production at the Globe as a Groundling, not only because £5 is almost throw-away money to see world-class theatre but because it’s by far the best way to experience the event. Having checked this year’s version out first, I thought it was just about okay to take my 14 year-old boy, although not everybody would make the same decision. I stand by the decision though- Harry enjoyed it but found it difficult, which is what I wanted. There is a world of difference between seeing people killed on a computer screen and watching such a play, with all the emotion and empathy that ties one into the plot.
I’m thoroughly enjoying the podcasts. Please keep them coming.
Paul
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Thanks Paul. Yes I did see your first post on the “Contact” page and replied to it there, though I freely admit it took me a few days to reply. Sorry about that.
I will put a jigging podcast on the schedule. Thanks for the tip.
Best,
J
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