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Coriolanus

by William Shakespeare

A shirtless man with a muscular build stands confidently between two stone columns. He has a defiant expression and has leather strapping wound around one hand and the wrist of his other arm. The background features a textured marble wall.

Booking and details

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Warrior. Hero. Traitor.

Unrivalled in the art of war, undefeated on the field of battle, Coriolanus is Rome’s greatest soldier.

When a legendary victory brings the opportunity of high office, he is persuaded to stand for election. But while populist politicians tell the people what they want to hear, Coriolanus refuses to play the game. As Rome’s most celebrated warrior becomes its most dangerous enemy, the future of the city and its hero hang in the balance.

David Oyelowo (Selma, Lawmen: Bass Reeves) makes his highly anticipated return to the London stage in the title role. Lyndsey Turner (Under Milk Wood, The Crucible) directs a thrilling new production of Shakespeare’s timeless political tragedy.

Performed 11 September — 9 November 2024 in the Olivier Theatre.

Reviews

★★★★★

‘Oyelowo is magnificent’

Morning Star

★★★★★

‘Tremendous’

Time Out

★★★★

‘Epic, blockbuster Shakespeare’

Independent

8 Reviews

Suitability

Please note: This production contains loud sounds and flashing lights. It features depictions of warfare, violence and death.

Supporters

This production is supported by the Huo Family Foundation.

Gallery

Open Gallery Dialog: 11 images A person holding a sword stands defiantly in the middle of a dimly lit stage surrounded by others, some carrying weapons and shields. The atmosphere is intense and smoky, with dramatic lighting casting shadows across the scene.
A person holding a sword stands defiantly in the middle of a dimly lit stage surrounded by others, some carrying weapons and shields. The atmosphere is intense and smoky, with dramatic lighting casting shadows across the scene.
A person holding a sword stands defiantly in the middle of a dimly lit stage surrounded by others, some carrying weapons and shields. The atmosphere is intense and smoky, with dramatic lighting casting shadows across the scene.
View 11 images
A man in a maroon uniform sits at a podium with the name Two men stand on a dimly lit stage. One, in uniform with his hands in his coat pockets, looks ahead. The other gestures with his hands. Burning torches and other figures in the background create a dramatic atmosphere. A woman in a red dress gestures towards a man kneeling in front of her, dressed in a red military uniform and hat. Three men in matching red military attire stand in the background, observing the scene. Two individuals, an adult wearing dark clothing and a child in a dark coat, stand on a dimly lit stage. The adult's arm is wrapped protectively around the child's shoulders. A man stands in the background. An actor on the left, wearing a sleeveless top and holding a sword, faces an actor on the right, who is holding a large round shield and a sword. A man stands alone on a stage in a well-lit area, wearing a dark red military-style uniform with several medals on his chest. He appears to be deep in thought, with a serious expression. Two people on a stage. The woman on the left is gesturing with both hands and wears a yellow blouse and brown skirt, while the man on the right, dressed in a gray suit, looks at her. Two benches are in the background. A group of individuals in dark, floor-length garments stand solemnly on a dimly lit stage. A group of people are on a dimly lit stage. Most are dressed in formal attire, and one appears to be restrained by others. A woman in a yellow blouse and brown skirt stands at the centre, looking serious. A dimly lit scene shows four people in heavy coats, standing and sitting amidst pottery.

Production images

Open Gallery Dialog: 10 images Two men standing face-to-face, both with serious expressions. The man on the left is wearing a black T-shirt with
Two men standing face-to-face, both with serious expressions. The man on the left is wearing a black T-shirt with
Two men standing face-to-face, both with serious expressions. The man on the left is wearing a black T-shirt with
View 10 images
A black and white image depicts two people standing closely, holding hands and touching foreheads. Both appear to be in a serious, emotional moment. The person on the left wears a casual t-shirt and trousers, while the person on the right wears a t-shirt and shorts. Two people are in the photo. One person, wearing a black t-shirt and gray pants, is kneeling. The other person, in a patterned dress and blue shawl, is standing and gently touching the kneeling person's face. Four children kneel on the ground, each with focused expressions. The image is in black and white. A group of people, including a man in glasses with a mustache, gather closely and appear to be engaged in a discussion. The background is blurred, highlighting the group's faces and attire. A black-and-white photo of a woman with shoulder-length dark hair and a black sleeveless top, in an animated conversation with a person whose back is facing the camera. A man with a beard and short hair is standing indoors, wearing a black T-shirt with a Nigerian flag and the word A black and white image of a person with folded arms, wearing glasses, a sleeveless top, and wide-leg pants, standing in an interior space. In the background, several people are sitting and standing, with shelves of objects and furniture visible. A woman wearing glasses and a textured grey top raises their right arm, appearing to be in the middle of a discussion. Two other partially visible individuals are in the foreground, slightly out of focus. A man and woman stand next to each other. The man, with a serious expression, has his arms raised. The woman, wearing a hat and a floral shirt, looks forward. They are indoors with a wood-paneled background.

Rehearsal images

Video

A man with a beard and short hair stands near a concrete structure, looking intently at the camera. He is wearing a dark-colored shirt and is partially leaning against a textured concrete wall.
Play Video

Monologue

Black and white close-up of a man staring intently. He has short hair and facial hair.
Play Video

Trailer

Two individuals in armour face each other. Sculptures and objects are visible around them, creating a dramatic atmosphere.
Play Video

‘Tis not my blood wherein thou seest me mask’d’

Cast

Luke Aquilina
Luke Aquilina photo portrait

Luke Aquilina

Gaius / Volscian soldier / Understudy Andromedus/Flaminius

Chereen Buckley
A close-up portrait of a person with long, wavy black hair, brown eyes, and a neutral expression. They are wearing a dark green top and are looking directly at the camera against a plain background.

Chereen Buckley

Andromeda / Vita / Understudy Virgilia/Valeria

Anushka Chakravarti
Anushka Chakravarti photo portrait

Anushka Chakravarti

Hortensia / Alba / Understudy Sicinius

Anton Cross
Anton Cross photo portrait

Anton Cross

Spurius / Cato / Understudy Cotus/Tullus Aufidius

The role of Young Marcius is played by:

Kyron Allen

Deniro-Carter Bhola

Cale Cole

Kaelum Nelson

Artistic team

Director

Lyndsey Turner

Lyndsey Turner

Set Designer

Es Devlin

Es Devlin

Costume Designer

Annemarie Woods

Annemarie Woods

Lighting Designer

Tim Lutkin

Tim Lutkin

Sound Designer

Tom Gibbons

Tom Gibbons

Composer

Angus MacRae

Angus MacRae

Video Designer

Ash J Woodward

Ash J Woodward

Fight Director

Sam Lyon-Behan

Sam Lyon-Behan

Casting Director

Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG

Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG

Company Voice Work

Cathleen McCarron

Cathleen McCarron

Company Voice Work

Shereen Ibrahim

Shereen Ibrahim

Dialect Coach

Richard Ryder

Richard Ryder

Associate Set Designer

Claudia Fragoso

Claudia Fragoso

Associate Costume Designer

Philip Engleheart

Philip Engleheart

Associate Wigs, Hair and Make-up Designer

Adele Brandman

Adele Brandman

Associate Sound Designer

Johnny Edwards

Johnny Edwards

Intimacy Coordinator

Ingrid Mackinnon

Ingrid Mackinnon

Staff Director

Júlia Levai

Júlia Levai

Download our latest guide

What's on guide

Download the latest guide (PDF 1.8MB)

Download the Alternative format of the guide (PDF 515KB)

Bookshop

Buy prints of past Coriolanus productions at the National Theatre, and the paytext:

Visit the Bookshop website for a wide range of playtexts, gifts and prints of past production posters.

 

 

Photography (David Oyelowo) by Obidi Nzeribe.