Shakespeare Fest reimagines Antony and Cleopatra

By Frank Lewis on Tue, Jun 16, 2009 at 12:51 pm

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Alison Garrigan puts her stamp on Shakespeare, laying a 21st-century concept on Antony and Cleopatra that should resonate on several levels. The original play centers on the relationship between Roman Marc Antony and Egyptian Cleopatra, which is complicated by Rome’s internal political tensions as well as a battle between the two nations. Garrigan turns the Bard’s historical work into a piece about a hostile corporate takeover, with culturally elite Romans clashing with and dominating the “exotic punk-rock world of the Egyptians.” Carly Germany (pictured) stars as the deliciously complex Cleopatra; Brian Pedaci plays Antony. The performance marks the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival’s season opener in its 12th year of free repertory, which is performed in parks and other venues around town. This weekend’s performances are at 7 p.m. today and tomorrow in Tremont’s Lincoln Park (W. 14th and Starkweather). — Michael Gill