HomeConnection students present Shakespeare’s ‘Coriolanus’

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The students of Olympic Peninsula HomeConnection will be presenting Shakespeare’s “Coriolanus” as their annual theater production. It will be their second year of returning live to stage after COVID-19.

The play in question was one of Shakespeare’s final tragedies; it follows the story of the titular Roman general, who makes a name for himself defending Rome against the Volscian army. The Senate nominates Coriolanus as consul, but he cannot win the people’s vote. He is banished from Rome and allies with his sworn enemy, Volscian general Tulles Aufidius. They intend to attack Rome together, but Coriolanus’s mother persuades him not to. His newfound ally kills him for the betrayal.

“Although not as popular as some of the other classics, I have always found Coriolanus to be a fascinating tale,” director Consuelo Brennan said when asked why this particular play was chosen.

“Aspects that make a powerful warrior don’t always transfer to politics,” Brennan explained. “The characters are written so vividly that I wanted the students to experience the inner workings of politics and perhaps see how dynamic it all is behind our perceptions.”

Seventh-grader Leif Staley, who is playing Aufidius, is looking forward to his second play with Olympic Peninsula HomeConnection.

“I’m most excited for one of the scenes where I get to use a sword,” he said.

Although he is nervous about forgetting his lines and messing up his fellow thespians, Leif has thoroughly enjoyed his experience preparing for the show.

“It’s pretty much all been fun,” he said. His favorite part has been working with all of the “great people,” especially Brennan.

The cast also includes Cloie Ashby, Kael Beil, Zephy Beil, Isabella Bertucci, Massimo Bertucci, Brian Grant, Ruby Groussman, Daniel Hales, Emily Hales, Isaac Hales, Alivia Halverson, Evelyn Halverson, Kaylee Klebanow, Evan MacDonald, Lida MacDonald, Nathan Mavy, Gabriela Palenik, Ariana Stewart, and Tristan Stewart. Nola Bertucci is the show’s musician, and Arriana O’Brien is the sound effects coordinator.

“Coriolanus” previews at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 24. Shows are at 7 p.m. Friday, May 26, Saturday, May 27. Additional performances are planned for June 1 through June 3

All performances take place at San Juan Baptist Church.