Tangle's Julius Caesar at Omnibus Theatre Review
Photo Credit: Stuart Martin
Written by Cathie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
As constant as the northern star, Julius Caesar is a timeless Shakespeare classic which deeply delves into Roman politics, corruption, and revolution. Anna Coombs has created a powerful and dynamic adaptation of this play, but with an African-centred reimagining.
The set, designed by Colin Falconer, is a starkly minimalist setting, which is excellent in reinforcing the danger the characters are all in. A giant halogen circle in the background showcases the change in night and day, with variations to showcase each character’s final moments. A raised copper circular stage is reminiscent of senators declaring towards the republic, and an excellent focus to ground the grand speeches all the characters make. The scattered mirrors also magnify this impression.
This play is an impressive reimagining of the classic political thriller. The pacing has been sharpened, and many of the repetitive political rhetorical speeches and the focus on Brutus’s family have been removed so that it is only about the rise and fall of Caesar. This works extremely well and also cuts the timing down to two hours. The action and pace is quickly and powerfully built throughout, so this story feels vital and captivating. The majority of the most famous lines have remained in this play so it is a brilliant polishing of the original material.
Anna Coombs’ adaptation with Tangle Theatre has an African focus. Much of this is shown in costuming, which includes traditional African prints mixed with modern clothing. The best example of this reimagining is the soothsayer, an ethereal portent of chaos and a combination of multiple characters from the original play. He drives much of the events in the play and drums the audience into a fury to avenge Caesar. John Pfumojena’s score and Khalil Madovi’s sound design is a magnetic mix of European and African music which keeps the audience tightly focused and on edge.
The all black cast are simply brilliant. This adaptation has squeezed over forty-three characters into 8 roles portrayed by five actors. Yaw Osafo Kantanka was utterly phenomenal as the soothsayer, and his magnetic performance had the audience completely mesmerised. Samator Ahmed was dynamic and charismatic as Marc Antony. Remiel Farai was heartfelt and charismatic as Brutus, and Samya De Meo was inspiring playing multiple characters with magnificent layered details. Roland Royal II| was a strong Caesar and Octavius. All of these actors had brilliant chemistry and are future west end stars in the making.
This is a brilliant adaptation that feels fresh in its adaptation but is beautifully balanced in its faithfulness to the original play. If you enjoy brilliant performances, Shakespeare’s prose, political thrillers, and a condensed imagining of his most political play, then this is the show for you.
Plays at Omnibus Theatre until 15 Nov
★★★★
