Coriolanus: A Play On Podcast Series Re-Air

The Play On Podcasts Series

• 🎭 This episode features a re-air of the Play On podcast series, "Coriolanus," a modern English verse translation of Shakespeare's play.
• 🎧 The production is noted for its all-female cast, sound design by Tony nominee Palmer Hefron, and direction by Kate Wiznooki.

The People's Grievances and Caius Martius Coriolanus

• 😠 The play opens with the common people of Rome expressing their grievances against the aristocracy, particularly Caius Martius Coriolanus, for hoarding resources.
• 🗣️ Coriolanus is depicted as a proud and disdainful soldier who despises the common people, viewing them as unworthy of his service.
• 🏛️ Despite his disdain, Coriolanus is celebrated for his military valor, leading Roman forces against the Volscians, led by Tullus Aufidius.

Coriolanus's Rise and Fall

• 🎖️ Coriolanus achieves significant military victories, earning him the title "Coriolanus" and the potential for consulship.
• 🗳️ His pride and inability to flatter the populace lead to his rejection by the tribunes and the people, resulting in his banishment from Rome.
• 🤝 Banished, Coriolanus joins forces with his former enemy, Aufidius, and leads the Volscian army against Rome, seeking revenge.

The Plea for Mercy and Coriolanus's Banishment

• 😭 Coriolanus's mother, Volumnia, his wife, Virgilia, and other Roman women plead with him to spare Rome.
• 💔 Moved by their pleas, Coriolanus relents, withdrawing his forces and effectively sacrificing his revenge and his own ambitions.
• ⚔️ Aufidius, feeling betrayed and outmaneuvered by Coriolanus's decision, ultimately kills him, leading to a complex and tragic end.

Themes and Production

• 🎭 The play explores themes of pride, honor, duty, class conflict, and the nature of power.
• 🎙️ The Play On Podcasts series aims to make Shakespeare accessible through modern verse translations and high-quality audio productions.