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The Two Noble Kinsmen
By William Shakespeare and John Fletcher
Directed by Darko Tresnjak
At Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Upstairs Theater
Navy Pier
Chicago, IL
Call312-595-5600, tickets $42 - $56
Tuesdays at 7:30 PM
Wednesdays at 1 & 7:30 PM
Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 PM
Saturdays at 3 * 8 PM
Sundays at 3 & 7 PM
Running time is 2 hours, 10 minutes with intermission
Through December 17, 2006
The Two Noble Kinsmen a sexy, raw, rare romp!
Now generally accepted as the last play to which Shakespeare contributed, The Two Noble Kinsmen was composed in 1613-14 and was not included in the First Folio of Shakespeare’s plays yet it was the only play publicly credited with Shakespeare as a co-author. Artistic director of The Old Globe in San Diego, Darko Tresnjak first mounted The Two Noble Kinsmen at New York’s Public Theater a few years ago. He thrives on doing marginal theatrical literature where he can feature strong storytelling elements, dazzling visuals including masks and puppetry. His lean take on Kinsmen is peppered with gorgeous young bodies (both male and female) in a most sexual, even homoerotic tragicomedy. This visually stunning (set design by David P. Gordon utilizing a pyramid styled structure and lighting by York Kennedy) enhances and focuses the emotions and raw sensuality of the story. This is an unusual Shakespearian event that unfolds as a dark journey filled with lustful adventures, betrayals and reconciliation. I enjoyed this terrific show.
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The story centers on two beefcake stud cousins Arcite (Lea Coco) and Palamon (Lucas Hall) who are taken prisoner during a war between Athens and Thebes. They await their fate in a small prison cell where they profess their love and eternal devotion for each other that plays out as near homoerotic until Palamon spots the beautiful Emilia (Chaon Cross) with whom he instantly falls in love. Arcite soon also falls for the raving blond turning the two cousins at odds over the lady. The story covers the long struggle the two have as they each strive for the lady’s hand. Filled with many lurid scenes and sexuality, The Two Noble Kinsmen is based on Chaucer’s “Knight’s Tale” with Shakespeare adding the plot twist that finds the jailer’s daughter (Tiffany Scott) literally going mad over her love for Palamon. Scott was splendid in this show.
Director Tresnjak has all the beautiful people speaking with a fine clarity, directing the wit, humor and irony of the play deliciously. Lea Coco’s Arcite and Lucas Hall’s Palamon capture us into their plight while Chaon Cross’ Emilia and Grant Goodman’s King Thesus deliver the intensity needed. Larry Yando (late of three years touring with The Lion King offers steadiness. The ensemble plays wonderfully and the deft staging allows the journey toward individual destinies to reach the darkly ominous conclusions worth of a Shakespeare play. This well acted and nicely paced show is a visual treat. You’ll be glad you saw this rarely mounted piece.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2006
Jeff Recommended
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