Battle scene from Ivan van Hove’s production of Roman Tragedies. This scene is from Antony and Cleopatra. He has condensed Coriolanus, Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra into 6 hours. At this point live percussionists were raging
on drums and and gongs, and the flashing lighting was ascending and descending. The large screen projected scenes as they were performed, filmed by both static and hand held cameras – the cameramen following the action. Down the left side of the stage is a video station where the technicians coordinated all the filming, the wig and make-up section for the actors, and a bar for audience members. Down the right hand side of the stage is an information desk where you could ask questions or charge your mobile and a cafe. The audience could move freely between auditorium and stage, could film or photo the proceedings and Tweet if they so wished. The microdots under the screen gave the latest real-life news, filled in plot information, gave some of the audience Tweets and gave countdowns to the deaths of the main characters. Cleopatra’s snake was real.
This is the second time I have seen it. It’s quite an experience.
