New York Shakespeare Exchange presents the world premiere of this stage adaptation of the Bard's famous narrative poem. More…
'The Rape of Lucrece' chronicles the tragedy of the title character, an aristocratic cousin of the King who is raped by his son, Sextus Tarquinius. Lucrece's subsequent suicide inspires a revolt which led to the establishment of the Roman Republic in 509 BC. This story not only dramatizes this gross act of entitlement, sexism, and sexual dominance, but the complicated aftermath of such violent acts. Resident playwright Kevin Brewer weaves his own original text in with the iambic pentameter of Shakespeare's language to create a piece that's both classic and contemporary.
See it if You would appreciate nouveau classic Shakespeare with a most talented cast
Don't see it if You only appreciate classic stagings of Shakespeare
See it if You want to cheer on an ambitious new work based on Shakespeare. Insertions of some contemporary language don't always work, but kudos.
Don't see it if You would be traumatized by a graphic rape scene (even in the dark, it's hard to hear) and the victim's harrowing emotional aftermath
See it if you like excellent young actors full of emotion; you enjoy Shakespeare.
Don't see it if are uncomfortable with the emotions surrounding the play's title; the ending strays from Shakespeare's poem
See it if You enjoy Shakespeare and are interested in a production that actively draws parallels with the contemporary moment.
Don't see it if You are triggered by sexual assault or suicide. There is a simulated rape scene that might be difficult to watch for survivors.
See it if you're interested in the idea of a new work based on a Shakespeare poem based on an ancient tale of sex, power, & politics
Don't see it if you dislike Shakespeare or period work.
See it if Both the comedy in the first half and the tragedy in the second half are both performed with equal energy and talent by the youthful cast.
Don't see it if The main character's sexual violation and subsequent feelings--guilt, shame, helplessness, anger, and desperation-- are difficult to watch.
Also The Rape of Lucrece, the poem, is about the sexual assault of its titl... Read more Read less