This focused production based on Shakespeare’s play has much to intrigue but can be confusing for those not familiar with the play.
It is not an easy thing to do to condense Shakespeare’s take on the story of Antony & Cleopatra into a 70 minute show but somehow Robert Chevara’s adaptation manages to do it by predominantly focusing on the central characters deeply passionate relationship.
Set in the confines of an underground night club, Chevera’s adaptation really focuses in on relationships and the emotions that comes with it as seen through the modern eyes of the people who inhabit the world of gay clubbing. There is references of sex, drugs and insecurity that works really well in terms of a concept and bringing the play to a modern audience, but by neglecting the other aspects in terms of the military operations it feels like the audience is only getting half the side of the story and half the understanding of the wider implications of Antony and Cleopatra’s relationship.
Chevera’s production fizzles with energy and intensity that keeps the audience thoroughly engaged with what is unfolding, allowing us to see the story in a different light. However, because of the way in which the adaptation unfolds – the speeches feel a little bit dis-engaged from one another that for someone coming into the play for the first time might struggle in keeping up with what is happening.
Surrounded by neon lights and music (that is used to great effect to highlight the changes in tones of the central relationship) this is a production that highlights in a brash way the way in which a relationship can quickly change – but it would have been lovely to have had a bit more depth in terms of how the story unfolds on a wider context, because of the way in which the adaptation unfolds, yet despite this there is plenty of bite and drama thanks to the way in which the cast deliver their performances.
There is great strength to the performances that bring the characters to life so vividly. William McGeough as Antony is a particularly forceful (in a good way) and passionate that ensures the audiences sees his conflict and torment to the absolute full. The chemistry between McGeough and Jonny Woo’s Cleopatra is palpable and intense to witness – particularly when emotions are heightened and insecurities are exposed. There is also solid support from Alexis Gregory as Charmian and Jonathan Blake as Dolabella who could have taken on a few extra characters as well to give it extra depth – but that is down to how the play has been adapted.
There is much passion and great characterisations that will keep the audience enthralled – but by focusing so much on the central relationship, you do miss out on how wider events influenced the turn the tides in their relationship.
By Emma Clarendon
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Antony and Cleopatra continues to play at The Divine until the 27th September.