Pericles, a late romance attributed to Shakespeare, is currently being performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The play, while not considered one of Shakespeare’s top works, has its own unique charm and appeal.
Directed by Tamara Harvey, this production of Pericles is filled with music and dance interludes that help bring the story to life. The title character, played by Zach Wyatt, navigates through a series of shipwrecks, encounters with pirates, and miraculous restorations of loved ones. The plot is a whirlwind of events that can be overwhelming to recount in detail.
Despite its convoluted storyline, Pericles is best experienced live on stage rather than read in text form. The Royal Shakespeare Company’s rendition of the play incorporates music by Claire van Kampen and movement direction by Annie-Lunnette Deakin-Foster to enhance the overall theatrical experience.
Themes of hospitality and betrayal run throughout the play, with standout performances by Christian Patterson as Simonides and Gabby Wong as Dionyza. The character of Marina, played by Rachelle Diedericks, brings a sense of strength and purity to the production, adding depth to the narrative.
While Pericles may not be Shakespeare’s most cohesive work, this production by the Royal Shakespeare Company offers a fresh perspective on the play. The set design by Jonathan Fensom and the ensemble’s performance strike a balance between the absurd and the poetic, creating a captivating theatrical experience.
Overall, Pericles may not be a Shakespearean masterpiece, but the Royal Shakespeare Company’s interpretation breathes new life into this lesser-known work. If you’re looking for a unique and immersive theater experience, catching this production of Pericles at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater is highly recommended.
