Photo by Carol Rosegg
It is said that Titus Andronicus is Shakespeare's bloodiest and goriest play. There are schools of thought that this was his first tragedy and one that is not based on historic precedents or sources. Instead, it is an original play with a double revenge narrative. One can picture an audience in the late 1500's coming to the theater to see this play and how they might be entertained by all of this. Remarkably, elements of what make up the story are still very much in our world today. It is just that we might represent it differently than Shakespeare did in his writing.
Under the direction of Jesse Berger, Titus Andronicus is a Red Bull Theater production. The venue for the play is the Pershing Square Signature Center’s Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre. This provides a space ideal for this play. Not only is it a convenient location, but I would rank it as one of the best Off-Broadway houses in the City.
This is a powerful play to see. There are three major elements of the staging that bring this play to the high level that is it. One is the set and use of the theater space. The second is the cast, who create characters well placed in the action. Finally are the technical elements that at times rock the entire room.
A Story of the Aftermath of Battle
The play opens with the triumphant return to Rome of Titus Andronicus. There is a lot of loud noise that comes with this return and cheers from crowds are heard. At the time, he is considered to be Rome’s greatest general and the head of a noble family. Patrick Page masterfully plays the part assuming the role of the conquering hero with ease and strength.
His armies overcame the Goths. As part of his victory, Titus brings the defeated queen Tamora and her family to Rome as spoils of battle. Quietly accompanying them is Tamora’s lover, Aaron the Moor. Titus slays one of her sons and she vows revenge. This action sets a series of very gruesome events into play.
Although he nominated as Emperor, Titus turns it down and instead nominates Saturninus. He turns out to be a somewhat amusing character as the audience laughs at many of his proclamations and ideas. Saturninus offers to marry Titus’ daughter, Lavinia but he has a yen for Tamara and makes her Empress. Tamora’s sons seek revenge by raping and mutilating Lavinia. Titus vows revenge for this and in one of the most grotesque parts of the play, he carries out an action so heinous that one can be sickened by it.
The play is filled with violence and revenge in many formats. But in a weird way, there are moments that are funny and the audience laughs.
A Set and Technical Elements That Add to the Play’s Intensity
There is a warning included on an insert to the Playbill that states “This production of Titus Andronicus contains graphic and sexual violence. blood, loud noises, firearms, and fog/haze effects.” Take the warning seriously if things like this bother you. However, the integration of these aspects as well as other things in the play are very well done.
Upon entering the theater, there is a calm atmosphere as the set on stage is so basic. There are columns and the lighting is so well mixed into them that one does not have a sense of all that is to come. It has a certain elegance to it. Designed by Beowulf Boritt, this sparse look allows the cast to move freely around the stage. The direct and indirect lighting designed by Jiyoun Chang brings relevance to actions taking place.
The entire area of the theater is used to tell the story. There are times that a character says their lines from the front of the balcony. At other times, the actors come through the aisles in the audience bringing excitement with them. As an audience member, you might feel like you are a part of the crowds in Rome.
Concerns with seeing a lot of blood? Well, you won’t see how the blood comes to be because actors are positioned in such a way to look like they are being attacked but are turned from audience view. However, a few seconds later, as they turn back, you will see an ample amount of what appears to be blood. Mutilations are well covered as well. Gory, yes, but well handled in their staging.
A very clever use of the stage is a piece cut out and lifted at several points. It represents an underground area where bodies are put. We never see anything beyond the top level but the idea is there.
Cast
In addition to lead Patrick Page, the cast includes: Jesse Aaronson, Matthew Amendt, Blair Baker, McKinley Belcher III, Francesca Faridan, Enid Graham, Amy Jo Jackson, Adam Langdon, Anthony Michael Lopez, Anthony Michael Martinez, Howard W. Overshown, Olivia Reis, and Zack Lopez Roa.
The cast turns in superb performances throughout the play. The wording and delivery are easy to understand in a more modern format. Clothing has a modern look.
Go To See Titus Andronicus
This is a very unique play to go to see and I highly recommend it. There are surprises throughout the entire production. Be sure to watch for some of the correlations to current times. After all, war is war, no matter when it takes place.
Running Time: Approximately two hours and 5 minutes, including an intermission.
This play is a limited run through Sunday, April 19, 2026, at at Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 West 42nd Street, NYC. Buy tickets through the Red Bull Theater website.
