By Katie Potzick
The next play in the University of Louisville’s season comes with a parental advisory warning. Due to adult subject matter, language and graphic violence the play is not recommended for anyone under the age of 16. What play is this that is causing such a drastic audience reduction? “Titus Andronicus,” Shakespeare’s most bloody revenge story.
In the age of “Hostel,” “Saw” and “Grand Theft Auto” violence in entertainment is accepted if not expected. What makes “Titus” so shocking? It’s not the way people die, which is gruesome, or how many people die, which is staggering, but the cycle of violence and revenge that is a reminder of the state of the world today.
“‘Titus Andronicus’ is compelling at this moment in our history because it addresses a culture of war, a culture we now seem to be mired in and seem, as a nation, to have embraced since the events of 9/11,” said Dennis Krausnick, director of the play. “For some decades in the 20th century, the actions of ‘Titus,’ rape, mutilation and violent murder, seemed ‘over the top.’?
Recently, we have seen people beheaded on television and hear repeatedly about Sharia Law meting out punishments of stoning or the lopping off of bodily parts; we also have radically different systems of law in which the reactions of one side to the actions of another seem incomprehensible to the opposed side.”
Ashley Beck, a sophomore who has been working behind the scenes on “Titus,” said, “We do have a disclaimer that the show is not advised for those 16 and under.”
“Anyone who thinks that only the movies can create special effects will be surprised at what we can do.” However, the violence should not keep people away from the show. Along with the blood shed, “Titus” contains many funny and touching moments that makes it’s a worthwhile production to attend.
“From my experience, most people don’t like Shakespeare because it’s ‘dated’ and the average person isn’t interested in that,” said Beck. “This show is a good bridge, giving parallels between what Shakespeare intended back then and what it means today. I think it will be very well received by those who see the show.”
“Titus Andronicus” is running Feb. 27 – March 2 in the Thrust Theater. Ticket prices are $12 for the general public and $8 for U of L students and faculty.
