LOS ANGELES TIMES:
"Shakespeare's Titus Adronicus Returns to Battle"
Mike Boehm, Los Angeles Times August 29, 2010
Tom Provenzano, LA STAGE BLOG August 27, 2010
Jack Stehlin and Brenda Strong on KPFK Radio 90.7 FM "Arts in Review" with Julio Martinez
Listen to the Radio podcast
Titus Redux Director John Farmanesh-Bocca on Dr. Eric Dyson show
Listen to the Radio podcast
Watch the TITUS REDUX Promo:
TITUS REDUX REVIEWS:
PRAISE FOR TITUS REDUX
Los Angeles Times
"an always-compelling Jack Stehlin plays General Titus Andronicus "
“An impassioned critique of the domestic legacy of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.”
“The show's telescoping of Shakespearean ancient Rome into troubled 2010 America aims for something bigger than topicality or political commentary.”
“Intricately Choreographed.”
“Extensive use of Video and Dance heighten the impact.”
“The Delivery of Stehlin, Strong and London, ensures the poetic resonance.”
Hollywood Reporter
“Dynamic, experts at athletic outbursts of energy”
“continues John Farmanesh-Bocca's use of Shakespeare as a lens on the West's abuse of power.”
Titus is nothing less than a tragic hero, and Stehlin projects the pain of every gut-wrenching blow he is forced to witness and assist.
When the two living sons (Dash Pepin and Vincent Cardinale) galumph around the stage, the whole cast moves with them. When the mother (Brenda Strong) flies across the stage like Wonder Woman, her movement catches the cast in her updraft.
“Nicholas Hormann as the old retainer brings a wonderful kind of fragile warmth to the proceedings. Farmanesh-Bocca as a one-man Greek chorus adds an unsettling mix of menace and dignity. Margeaux L. London as the raped, pillaged and mutilated daughter sings a painfully wordless aria of unanswered cries for release from life.”
VARIETY
“Stehlin brings a weathered confidence to Titus when he is depicted on battlefields and as a model member of the army both on film and in live action.”
“Nicholas Hormann provides an unwavering support system as Marcus Andronicus, grounding his character in Shakespearean tradition. Brenda Strong, too, lifts Tamora when speaking in olde English, as her distaste for her husband rules her every move.”
“(Farmanesh-Bocca’s) greatest strength as a visual conceptualist is as a choreographer, judging by the scenes that bring power to the "Titus" core. Altercations -- both realistic and surreal -- are his forte.”
LA WEEKLY – “GO!”
“Each of the elements under Farmanesh-Bocca's often wild direction offers vividly exciting moments.”
“The talents of seven fine performers are glorious, particularly Stehlin's powerful portrayal of pride crumbling into madness.”
BACK STAGE – “CRITIC'S PICK!”
Redux, indeed. Shakespeare's "Titus Andronicus" is modernized and retold weaving in strands of the original in this inventive work conceived, choreographed, and directed by John Farmanesh-Bocca and incorporating his films that enhance and fit seamlessly into the story.
This is Farmanesh-Bocca's piece (he also designed the sound with Adam Phalen), but there's no trace of his ego anywhere. He has turned the starring role over to Jack Stehlin, who makes Titus a stiff-backed soldier and a grade-A wacko. Stehlin is as gifted with the production's Shakespearean text as he is with the dance-combat, the comedic moments on film, and the silent moments of impending insanity. Opposite him, Farmanesh-Bocca's well-drawn Aaron is merely a sweet dad with one of those inevitable crushes on his neighbor's wife.
LAist
“dizzying theatricality “
“the fight scenes are truly exciting to watch, and Titus’s progressive descent into madness is downright chilling.”
“The occasionally startling sound and lighting effects of design team John Rousseau, Adam Phelan, and Jason Collins add fireworks to the evening.”
- Movies, Music, Mayhem
**** Jack Stehlin and Brenda Strong shine in Titus Redux ****
"whether you are a Shakespeare lover or a theatre gumshoe, you would do well to see this performance. Utilizing dance, film, indie rock and contemporary jargon to re-tell the sordid tale, Titus Redux is a brave, brazen and at times hilarious re-imagining of William Shakespeare’s bloodiest play, Titus Andronicus. "
StageSceneLA.com
"thrilling end-of-summer theatrical extravaganza"
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