TITUS ANDRONICUS Comes To Georgia Shakespeare 7/9-8/2

Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare and directed by Richard Garner July 9 - August 2

Shakespeare's most outrageous play, Titus Andronicus is the epic story of a Roman general who returns home in triumph with a perilous war trophy - Goth Queen Tamora - which sets in motion a vicious cycle of revenge and retribution.

Saturninus and Bassianus are campaigning for the title of Emperor of Rome. Titus Andronicus returns victorious from war. He has lost twenty-one of his twenty-five sons, but returned with prisoners of war including Tamora, Queen of the Goths, and her sons, Alarbus, Demetrius, and Chiron. Titus orders Tamora's eldest son, Alarbus, to be slain. His brother Marcus, a Tribune, asks him to be a candidate for emperor. Instead of accepting, he names Saturninus as Emperor of Rome.

Once proclaimed emperor, Saturninus chooses Lavinia, Titus' daughter, as his bride. Titus agrees to this match. Bassianus claims he is already betrothed to Lavinia and takes her away with him. Titus sons' run away to protect them. Titus kills his own son, Mutius, in an attempt to bring his daughter back and prove his loyalty to his new emperor, Saturninus. Embarrassed, Saturninus rejects Lavinia, and instead asks Tamora to be his Queen. As Queen, Tamora urges Saturninus to forgive Bassianus, Titus, and his family. In return, Titus invites Tamora and Saturninus on a hunt.

It is revealed that Aaron and Tamora are secret lovers. Aaron encourages Tamora's sons', Chiron and Demetrius to rape Lavinia rather than fight over her. Aaron begins to set up his trap to destroy Bassianus and blame Titus' sons, Quintus and Martius for the murder. Aaron's plan works, Bassianus is killed, and Quintus and Martius blamed for his death.

In the meantime, Marcus discovers mutilated Lavinia and brings her to Titus. Shortly thereafter, Aaron visits Titus and tells him he can save his sons by sending his hand to the emperor. Although Titus sends his hand, he only receives the heads of his sons in return. It is at this point that Titus vows revenge and sends his son, Lucius, away to form an army.

Through the tale of Philomela, Lavinia is able to reveal who mutilated her and how. Around the same time, Tamora gives birth to Aaron's son. Aaron flees Rome with his son in order to save him. Titus decides to send letters asking for Justice to Saturninus, who learns of the army Lucius is forming. Tamora tries to charm Titus out of war.

Aaron is caught by Lucius. Lucius agrees to protect the baby if Aaron confesses to all that has happened. Lucius goes to Rome to meet Saturninus, while Tamora, disguised with Demetrius and Chiron go to convince Titus to throw a feast for Saturninus and Lucius to meet and talk. Titus agrees and asks for "Rape" and "Murder," Demetrius and Chiron, to stay with him. Titus kills the two and serves them to Tamora in the form of pie. He then stabs Lavinia and Tamora. Saturninus then kills Titus and Lucius proceeds to kill Saturninus. Marcus and Lucius address the Romans, Aaron is condemned, and Lucius crowned the new Emperor of Rome.

Due to its graphic nature, Titus Andronicus is recommended for ages 16 and older. Parental discretion is strongly advised. Children under 12 will not be admitted into the theatre.

http://gashakespeare.org/titus

 

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