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—Andrew Wheeler and Jennifer Lines in ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA at Bard on the Beach Shakespeare 2010. Photo: David Cooper ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival continues its 21st season with the passionate tragedy Antony and Cleopatra. It plays Tuesdays through Sundays in the 520-seat open-ended Mainstage tent in Vanier Park from June 16 through September 24, 2010 in repertory with the currently running production of Much Ado About Nothing. Long-time Bard on the Beach Artistic Associate and well-known Bard actor Scott Bellis makes his Bard directorial debut. Passion, war and betrayal erupt in this rich romantic tragedy. Although the sensual Cleopatra has conquered the heart of Rome’s greatest soldier, Mark Antony must choose between duty and desire. To secure a political alliance, he marries Octavius Caesar’s sister. His return to Egypt and Cleopatra ignites a war in which one of the world’s great love stories plays out its final chapter. As these larger-than-life characters engage in an epic struggle between the transcendent power of love and the military might of imperialism, events unfold that change the world forever. Rome is now ruled by a triumvirate of Mark Antony (Andrew Wheeler), Octavius Caesar (Haig Sutherland) and Marcus Lepidus (Allan Morgan). However Antony is in Egypt with his lover, Cleopatra (Jennifer Lines), Queen of Egypt. His soldiers (Martin Sims, John Murphy, Ian Butcher) complain that, because Antony is so infatuated with Cleopatra, he neglects the business of Rome and even has Caesar’s messenger Thidias (Shawn Macdonald) whipped. Recalled to Rome when his wife dies, Antony agrees to a political marriage with Caesar’s sister, Octavia (Sarah Afful). He then sets out to fight their common enemy, Pompey (Gerry Mackay), and his pirate ally Menas (Parnelli Parnes). However, as his general Enobarbus (Simon Bradbury) predicts, Antony returns to Egypt and Cleopatra. Caesar, enraged at Antony’s betrayal, attacks Egypt by sea. When Cleopatra’s ship leaves the battle Antony follows, resulting in his army’s defeat. Shamed, Antony asks Eros (Gaelan Beatty) to kill him but Eros instead kills himself, leaving Antony to fall on his own sword. Grieving over Antony's rumoured death and determined not to fall under Caesar's command, Cleopatra plans her suicide with her attendant Charmian (Almeera Jiwa). The two famous lovers are briefly reunited before Antony and Cleopatra die. Tying the two worlds together is the mystical Soothsayer (Patti Allan). Director Scott Bellis focuses on the passionate relationship between Antony and Cleopatra in his historically-inspired staging. Drew Facey’s minimalist set is inspired by the arches of classical architecture, with the courts of Rome and Egypt defined by simple but dramatic banners. Mara Gottler’s costumes contrast the dark masculinity of the Romans with the light femininity of the Egyptians in simple, layered costumes. Noah Drew’s dramatic sound design helps define the contrasting locales while Gerald King’s lighting highlights the worlds of Rome and Egypt. Fight Director Nicholas Harrison oversees the battles while Wendy Gorling coordinates the movement on stage. Stage Manager Stephen Courtenay is assisted by Kelly Barker (Assistant Stage Manager) and Susan Miyagishima (Apprentice Stage Manager).
Performance details for Antony and Cleopatra are as follows:
Tickets are $35.50 (evenings in June) and $38 (evenings after July 1); $18.75 to $31.50 (previews/matinees). Order on-site, by phone at 604-739-0559, or on-line at www.bardonthebeach.org Production sponsor for Antony and Cleopatra is RE/MAX.
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