Th’Unguarded Duncan and Theatre Works will present the Australian premiere season of Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicusthis November, bringing one of his most violent and rarely performed plays to life in St Kilda.
Running from 13 to 22 November at Theatre Works, the production stars Prague Shakespeare Company Associate Director Josh Morrison in the title role. First staged in 2023 as a collaboration with the Prague Shakespeare Company, this stylised retelling now arrives in Melbourne with a cast of 13 local and international performers.
The story follows Titus, a Roman general who executes the son of Tamora, Queen of the Goths, after returning victorious from war. Her fury sets off a spiralling cycle of revenge and brutality that pushes characters – and audiences – to their limits.
Directors Claire Nichols and Kevin Hopkins are leaning into a highly physical interpretation, blending martial arts, ensemble movement and original music.
“Our staging of Titus Andronicus features several ensemble movement pieces at key moments to tell this tale, so while all of Shakespeare’s incredible characterisation and poetry is still very much in the foreground, it’s a physical exploration of his work that people may not have experienced before,” says Nichols.
“This is not a naturalistic production,” adds Hopkins. “We’re harnessing the audience’s imagination, which is incredibly powerful, to fill in the gaps. Also, the show runs 90 mins straight through, which is unusual for a Shakespeare. It will be an energetic production and we’re excited about taking audiences on that ride.”
With original music by Max Hopkins, designs by Greg Carroll, Paulina Kostov and the Australian Shakespeare Company, and support from Theatre Works’ With Theatre Works 2025 program, this is set to be a daring reimagining of Shakespeare’s blood-soaked classic.
Titus Andronicus plays at Theatre Works from 13 to 22 November. Tickets via theatreworks.org.au.
