Anthony and Cleopatra

Anthony and Cleopatra at Shakespeares Globe Theatre

Eternity was in our lips and eyes...

- Act I, scene 3

Why see Anthony and Cleopatra?

A Stunning New Bilingual Production

Two Empires are forever linked by a love affair that threatens to burn both to the ground as Shakespeare's monumental chronicle of love, desire, duty and politics makes its welcome return to the Globe after a decade away in this boundary-pushing new production, presented in both spoken English and British Sign Language. Starring Nadia Nadarajah and directed by Blanche McIntyre alongside Charlotte Arrowsmith, prepare to journey into the heart of one of history's most intriguing partnerships.

What Is The Story?

Mark Anthony lives a luxurious life of decadence in Egypt, conducting an historic affair with the nation's ruler Cleopatra. But when a message arrives from Rome with news of his wife's passing, he must return to the city to quash a growing rebelling by Pompey. Realizing that an alliance is the only viable way to secure his power, Anthony becomes betrothed to Ceasar's sister Octavia, inflaming the jealous Cleopatra. But the lovers' bond is strong and may just lead them to ruin and tragedy... 

Key Information

Audience

Presented in Spoken English and BSL

Dates

Finished 15 Sep 2024

Reviews

Customer reviews

17 reviews, average rating: (1.8 Stars)

Louise

Bilingual theatre at its best!

I attended press night of Antony and Cleopatra at the Globe and was deeply moved by the blending of signed and spoken worlds and cultures. I don't sign myself but the storytelling was clear and made the text more powerful to see it visually. The play has a great pace and really shows how much comedy is peppered in Shakespeare's deep tragedy, such as the balance of life. The creative captions only added to my experience, I recognise my hearing privilege that I don't need to use the captions, which gives a greater understanding of the needs of deaf audiences. I think if audiences would get over their irritation at having to read the captions they would open their hearts and minds as to what bilingual theatre can be. An original and hugely powerful show. Go and experience it for yourself! ... Read more

Sio

Startlingly original version

The clever idea of showcasing the differences in culture and the breakdowns in communication between characters by having the Romans speak English and the Egyptians use sign language is brave and original. It mostly works and is supported by a cast who are excellent. It is wonderful to see so many deaf actors on such an iconic stage. This isn't one of Shakespeare's easiest plays so perhaps a better known play may have made this concept more accessible but the audience on the day I saw it responded well, especially to the humour. Many people who don't understand sign language and who don't easily understand Shakespeare likely found some of it more accessible by watching the visual and iconic nature of much of the signing. Some of the reviews already left for this show are disappointingly abelist and rather ignorant about sign language being a complex language capable of poetry, which requires an expressive face and body to communicate, and is not lesser than spoken English. ... Read more

Grant Feather

Brilliant

Loved this production. The mixture of sign language and spoken text really worked to show the cultural gulf between Rome and Egypt. The signing actors were so physically gifted it was like watching a dance. A great way to spend an afternoon. ... Read more
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