The RSC’s former artistic director Sir Gregory Doran is to deliver a keynote lecture at London South Bank University (LSBU) focusing on Shakespeare’s bloodiest tragedy ‘Titus Andronicus’.
The play was originally produced towards the end of the 16th century at the Rose Playhouse, erected in 1587 in Bankside in the borough of Southwark, and whose foundations have been preserved since their discovery in the late 1980s.
“It’s wonderful to be able to be able to talk about another great ‘Rose’ Theatre play, ‘Titus Andronicus’, and lend my support to the Rose Theatre Trust,” Sir Gregory said.
Sir Gregory’s address is billed as the Rose Playhouse lecture which will become an annual event. It will focus on the well-known production of ‘Titus Andronicus’ he directed thirty years ago at Johannesburg’s Market Theatre with his partner, Antony Sher.
He will examine how the play, which follows a Roman general who embarks on a killing spree, has influenced a generation of directors and actors, and discuss its re-imagining for a modern political purpose.
Due to its violent content, Sir Gregory has himself described the play as ‘Shakespeare in Tarantino mode’.
“We are delighted to welcome Sir Gregory whose 35-year tenure at the RSC had a profound impact on the UK theatre landscape,” said Gill Foster, LSBU’s Professor of Actor and Theatre Training. “Through our thriving partnership with the Rose Theatre, Bankside, the School of Performance continues its commitment to engaging students with inspirational industry role models.”
The event has been arranged in collaboration with the Rose Playhouse Trust and will be introduced by LSBU’s Chancellor Sir Simon Hughes.
The lecture will be held at the university’s Edric theatre on Wednesday March 27th at 6:30pm and will also be streamed live online.
