Shakespeare's Rome: Debate Series
SHAKESPEARE’S ROME: DEBATE SERIES
To coincide with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2017 Rome Season, the theatre will play host to a series of debates that will explore the power dynamics of Rome as depicted by Shakespeare, through the lens of modern society.
The directors of the RSC Rome productions; Angus Jackson, Iqbal Khan and Blanche McIntyre, each selected a question to frame the debate inspired by the play they are working on. The questions posed by the directors will be considered within a contemporary context, looking at where Shakespeare’s Rome has resonances with today. The debate panels will include the show directors, a political commentator plus other panellists.
Saturday 29 April, 5pm - Julius Caesar
Do we want to be empowered as a population, or would we rather be led?
Ritula Shah (presenter of BBC Radio 4’s The World Tonight) chairs a look at the power dynamics of the Rome depicted in Julius Caesar and how that relates to the present day. The panel includes Natalie Haynes (classicist, broadcaster and author of The Ancient Guide to Modern Life), Ayesha Hazarika (political commentator and former Labour Party adviser) and Angus Jackson (Rome Season Director, and director of Julius Caesar).
Thursday 20 July, 5pm - Titus Andronicus
What makes us civilized?
Angus Jackson (Rome Season Director) chairs a debate with Blanche McIntyre (Titus Andronicus director). Other panellists to be announced.
Friday 4 August, 5pm - Antony & Cleopatra
Peace at what cost?
Angus Jackson (Rome Season Director) chairs a debate with Iqbal Khan (Antony & Cleopatra director). Other panellists to be announced.
Thursday 5 October, 4.45pm – Coriolanus
Can there be too much democracy?
A panel including Angus Jackson (director of Coriolanus) who joins Ritula Shah (presenter of BBC Radio 4’s The World Tonight) to look at the Rome depicted in Coriolanus. Other panellists to be announced.
The Rome season includes Shakespeare’s most political plays, set in and around ancient Rome. Beginning with Julius Caesar and Antony & Cleopatra, they are joined later in the season by Titus Andronicus and Coriolanus:
Julius Caesar, directed by Angus Jackson
Until 9 September 2017, Live to cinemas 26 April
Antony & Cleopatra, directed by Iqbal Khan
Until 7 September 2017, Live to cinemas 24 May
Titus Andronicus, directed by Blanche McIntyre
23 June to 2 September 2017, Live to cinemas 9 August
Coriolanus, directed by Angus Jackson
15 September to 14 October 2017, Live to cinemas 11 October
To book tickets for the Rome Season or any of the debates call 01789 403493, or online at www.rsc.org.uk
For more press information please contact: Amy Belson, 01789 412622 / 07843 483146 / amy.belson@rsc.org.uk
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