David Oyelowo’s ‘Coriolanus’ Gets Streaming Release From National Theatre (Exclusive)

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As a die-hard theater enthusiast who has had the privilege of witnessing some truly remarkable performances, I must say that David Oyelowo’s portrayal of Coriolanus in the National Theatre production is one that will forever hold a special place in my heart. The play, with its political resonance and thought-provoking themes, is not just a piece of art but a mirror reflecting our current times, making it all the more relevant and impactful.

Starting in January, you’ll be able to stream the National Theatre’s production of “Coriolanus,” featuring David Oyelowo.

The play, which was performed at London’s Olivier Theatre for a two-month span this past fall, will start streaming on National Theatre at Home’s subscription service from January 2. This production, given its significance and the effort to make it more accessible, carries a special meaning for Oyelowo, the star of “Selma” and “Lawmen: Bass Reeves,” who recently reprised his stage role in the lead part.

Oyelowo mentioned that not everyone can reach London due to costs or being overwhelmed by Shakespeare, and so it’s important to have easier access to these plays in less intimidating environments, like at home or with reduced effort to attend a theater performance.

The story revolves around Coriolanus, a renowned military hero in Rome who decides to seek political office. However, he fails to gain the public’s vote due to his unwillingness to court their favor. As a result, he is exiled from Rome, prompting him to concoct a plan for retribution.

Ten years ago, David Oyelowo proposed the play “Coriolanus” to Rufus Norris, who was then the artistic director at the National Theatre. This suggestion came after Oyelowo had been contemplating the play since his time in drama school. The actor from “Selma” found the unique structure of the play appealing – it begins with battle scenes before shifting towards political and emotional themes. He also noted that unlike plays such as “Romeo and Juliet” or “Hamlet,” which he considers “overdone” compared to other works by Shakespeare, “Coriolanus” is not often produced.

He expressed his newfound intrigue towards the play’s main character, finding him exceptionally complex. The character seems to defy easy categorization – is he a hero, an antihero, or neither? Does the audience connect with him or recoil? Is he fighting for Rome while disregarding its people, or is he advocating for the people despite going against their wishes? He found this character to be remarkably human, yet heroic and iconic at the same time.

Originally scheduled for a performance in 2020, the play had to be postponed due to the pandemic. Later, actor David Oyelowo and director Lyndsey Turner decided to plan for a 2024 production because they believed the play’s themes would align strongly with that specific political climate.

2024 was shaping up to be quite a year, with elections happening in both the UK and the US. As a gamer, I can’t help but draw parallels between this political landscape and a game of strategy. You see, just like a character who rises to fame through battlefield victories, there are figures who have entered the political sphere. However, much like my warrior in-game, their skills on the battlefield make them less than ideal for the compromises and diplomacy that politics often demands. The past few years have shown us how these themes have played out not just in our own countries, but globally as well.

The day following the U.S. presidential election, Oyelowo noted, was when the resonance of the play was strongest. Lines like “Revoke your ignorant election” would prompt audible responses from the audience. The play’s performance concluded on November 9th.

In 2024, David Oyelowo, known for his work in various Shakespearean plays, played a significant role in the production of Coriolanus, focusing on casting decisions, especially since he was a Black actor portraying a highly revered political figure. Despite the theater industry’s growing preference for colorblind casting, Oyelowo felt it necessary to consider the power dynamics and racial aspects involved. As a result, he chose to cast Aufidius, Coriolanus’ adversary, as another Black man and his mother as a Black woman.

Speaking about staging the play Coriolanus, Oyelowo shared his enthusiasm about making it accessible to students who might not usually encounter the arts, as well as broadening its reach to a wider, global audience. However, he also acknowledges the potential challenges that come with streaming, referring to it as a “double-edged sword.

Theater is like a two-sided weapon, as its allure lies in the fear of missing out (FOMO). When a show is exceptional and popular, the pressure mounts if you don’t attend, for fear of missing out. It’s possible that some people choose not to go because they think they might eventually get to see it somewhere else. This phenomenon resembles what has occurred in the film industry with the advent of streaming platforms, making the theater experience seem less pressing and crucial, as it can now be watched at home with ease within a short timeframe.

However, it’s clear that due to NT being available at home, many more individuals than usual are going to get a chance to watch ‘Coriolanus’, as he went on to explain.

Moving ahead, Oyelowo intends to manage several cinematic and broadcast ventures, such as his partnership with Apple TV+. However, he also wants to maintain a connection with the stage, as it provides him a chance to rejuvenate and rekindle his passion for acting.

For him, performing Shakespeare’s works is like conquering Mount Everest for an actor. After achieving it, one feels almost invincible in most other endeavors. Therefore, I enjoy returning to it, but realistically, as a father and a husband, it’s not something I can do continually.

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2024-12-12 16:24