For the first time in nearly 30 years, Bell Shakespeare will stage Shakespeare’s political epic Coriolanus. The production opens in Sydney at The Neilson Nutshell from 20 June until 19 July, before touring to Arts Centre Melbourne from 24 July until 10 August 2025.
Directed by Artistic Director Peter Evans and starring Logie winner Hazem Shammas (Macbeth, Safe Harbour, The Twelve) in the titular role, the play is a timely exploration of power: how it is gained, how it is kept, and how it is granted.
As the production unfolds in a setting reminiscent of Eastern Europe in the 1990s following the fall of the Berlin Wall, parallels are drawn between the political structures of ancient Rome and contemporary global politics.
Coriolanus is a ferocious warrior and defender of Rome, but his contempt for the public, and his refusal to play the political game, see him banished from the city he once protected. When he joins forces with his former enemy to seek vengeance against Rome, the fate of the city, and of Coriolanus himself, hangs in the balance.
The production’s use of a traverse stage in Sydney, where the audience is seated on two sides of the action, creates an intimate and immersive atmosphere. The proximity to the performers places the audience in the heart of the drama, with the sense they are active participants in the unfolding political process and emphasising the public nature of politics.
“Coriolanus is profoundly prescient, reminding us of the fragile nature of democracy. The play’s exploration of the fear of autocracy and the consolidation of power within the ruling elite at the expense of public trust resonates today, as we witness similar struggles for balance in modern politics,” said Artistic Director Peter Evans.
“But it is not just a political play, it is a reflection on the complexities of power, human nature, and societal structures. At its core, the play also unfolds a family drama, as Shakespeare masterfully weaves a story not only about a city in crisis, but also about the influence of family dynamics within that world.”
Alongside Shammas, the production stars a seasoned ensemble cast, including award winning veteran Australian actor of stage and screen Peter Carroll (King Lear, Aftertaste) as Menenius, and Brigid Zengeni making her debut with Bell Shakespeare as Volumnia, bringing a commanding presence to the role of Coriolanus’ mother.
They are joined onstage by Anthony Taufa as Coriolanus’ nemesis Aufidius, Jules Billington as Senator, Septimus Caton as Titus Larcius, Marco Chiappi as Brutus, Suzannah McDonald as Virgilia, Gareth Reeves as Cominius, and Matilda Ridgeway as Sicinius.
Director: Peter Evans | Featuring: Jules Billington, Peter Carroll, Septimus Caton, Marco Chiappi, Suzannah McDonald, Gareth Reeves, Matilda Ridgway, Hazem Shammas, Anthony Taufa, Brigid Zengeni | Associate Director: Cezera Critti-Schnaars | Costume Designer: Ella Butler | Lighting Designer: Amelia Lever-Davidson | Composer and Sound Designer: Max Lyandvert | Movement, Intimacy & Fight Director: Nigel Poulton | Voice Director: Jack Starkey-Gill
Coriolanus
The Neilson Nutshell – Pier 2/3, Hickson Road, Dawes Point (Sydney)
Season: 20 June – 19 July 2025
Bookings: www.bellshakespeare.com.au
Fairfax Studio – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Season: 24 July – 10 August 2025
Bookings: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
For more information, visit: www.bellshakespeare.com.au for details.
Image: Hazem Shammas – photo by Pierre Toussaint