![Ralph Fiennes and Gerard Butler in the forthcoming movie version of \"Coriolanus\"](http://www.theaterjones.com/media/m111229084442.jpg "Ralph Fiennes and Gerard Butler in the forthcoming movie version of \\"Coriolanus\\"")
In 2012, Shakespeare Dallas will be seeing red, as in blood. Of course, there's lots of blood spilled in Shakespeare, but two of Dallas Shakes' three productions for 2012 are among the bloodiest: Coriolanus (as part of the summer repertory season with the non-bloody Twelfth Night), and in the fall, it's The Scottish Play.
This will be the first time in SD's four decades that it has taken on Coriolanus, and it's good timing, considering a contemporarized film version starring Ralph Fiennes and Gerard Butler is out in some cities (it'll open in Dallas on Jan. 20).
The organization celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2011, and commissioned a painting by Dallas artist JD Miller for the occasion (pictured here). Limited edition 3-D giclees are still available for purchase through the Shakespeare Dallas website.
Here's the breakdown of the 202 season.
Summer features Twelfth Night and Coriolanus running in rotating repertory at Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre in Tenison Park
Twelfth Night
- Directed by Executive and Artistic Director Raphael Parry
- Previews June 13-14, opens June 15 and runs Tuesdays, Saturdays, Sundays through July 21.
Shipwrecked on the coast of Illyria and separated from her twin brother, Sebastian, the beautiful Viola disguises herself as a man named Cesario to protect her honor in the new land. She finds employment as a page in the court of the lovesick Duke Orsino, who longs for the love of a neighboring countess, Olivia. A feverish love triangle ensues as Viola falls in love with Duke Orsino, and Olivia falls in love with Viola's male alter ego, Cesario. To add to the confusion, Viola's twin Sebastian arrives on the scene, and the servant Maria and the drunken Sir TobyBelch conspire to enact a riotous revenge on another servant. This hilarious comedy is true to form and filled with Shakespeare's stubborn, comedic characters and side splitting situations, including jealousy, mistaken identity and cross-dressing.
Coriolanus
- Directed by Artistic Associate René Moreno
- Previews June 21-22, opens June 23 and runs Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays through July 19.
Coriolanus is the last of Shakespeare's great political tragedies, narrating the life and tragic fall of the heroic warrior, Caius Marcius Coriolanus. The play opens inRome, where a revolution is stirring. The citizens are protesting the shortage of food and their rulers'incompetence. In response to their protests, the ruling aristocracy grants the citizens five representatives, ortribunes. Caius Marcius, an arrogant and fiery young general, confronts the riotous citizens, claiming they are not worthy of grain because of their lack of military service. War breaks out with a neighboring Italian tribe, the Volscians, and Caius Marcius leaves to defeat the rivals. In recognition of this triumph, he is given the name Coriolanus. His mother convinces Coriolanus to run for council, and the senate elects him to succeed because of this bravery. However, two councilmen avenge Coriolanus, calling him a traitor for his contempt of the lower classes. Coriolanus is banished from Rome. He goes back to the enemy city Volscian, and is welcomed by his former enemy, Aufidius. News arrives back in Rome that Coriolanus has joined forces with their enemy to challenge the city. His family urges him to make peace, but no matter his decision, his pride and betrayals on both cities will cause his tragic demise.
After those two shows, Junior Players annual youth Shakespeare production is The Taming of the Shrew, running July 24-29.
The 2012 Fall Season of Shakespeare in the Park features:
Macbeth
- Directed by Guest Director Stefan Novinski
- Sept. 19-29, 2012 at Samuell Grand Amphitheatre
- Oct. 3-14, 2012 at Addison Circle Park
This brutal tragedy of Macbeth opens amidst a storm, with three witches setting the moodwith mystery and haunting prophesies. It is announced that the heroic Macbeth has defeated the enemies of Scotland and he is praised for his bravery. On Macbeth's journey home, he encounters the Three Witches, and they tell him their prophesies, eventually calling him King. Macbeth is doubtful, but as they begin to come true, he decides he will stop at nothing to become King. After hearing the prophesies, Lady Macbeth decides that they must secure their royal fate by murdering King Duncan. Guiltturns into madness, as Macbeth and his wife are haunted by the ghosts of their recent victims. Greed turns into more bloodshed, and a battle embarks to determine the righteous King. One of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies, Macbeth takes us on a murderous and wicked journey of war, the lust for power, guilt and death.
For more information on Shakespeare Dallas, visit www.shakespearedallas.org.
To get your blood pumping, here's a trailer for the film Coriolanus:
