Have enormous appreciation for Shakespeare and his plays ever since being introduced to 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and 'Macbeth' in primary school, when reading the text aloud and analysing as a class which fascinated and benefitted me (not everybody liked doing it though). 'Antony and Cleopatra' is for me towards the top ranking his plays, beautiful text (though the script is one of his wordiest), one of his most passionate stories and with two of Shakespeare's most justifiably iconic characters.
This is a wonderful production in almost every way and is quite an experience in an a good a way as you can get. Of all the productions seen of 'Antony and Cleopatra', this one from Stratford is one of the best in my view. There is, or at least there should be, a huge amount to admire for those familiar with the play, but (like 'King John' and 'Pericles', also from Stratford) the effort to make it accessible for first time viewers was truly laudable and a big selling point. It is remarkable too considering that 'Antony and Cleopatra' is very wordy, which could alienate some.
Perhaps there are a few too many reaction shots, especially in the first half. But when it comes to criticism that was pretty much it, it was actually very hard to find anything wrong.
It is a fabulous looking production, full of grandeur and also atmosphere. The lighting is especially impressive, bold yet nuanced with no over-emphasis of emotions. Have not seen a production of 'Antony and Cleopatra', on film, television or stage, that looks this grand and evocative in a long time. Loved the way the production was shot and edited too, there is a real cinematic quality to the photography, especially in the second half, while the editing has a slickness and professionalism not always seen with filmed productions and never comes over as gimmicky.
Also terrific is the perfectly fitting music score, very percussive in the more action-oriented parts in an intense way and the use of woodwind stirs and moves. The action is unusually not seen but more told to us and it is done in a way that doesn't over-explain or feel too talky. The staging is intense, sensual and moving in equal measure, the central relationship sears in a way not seen before in a long time. It doesn't play it too safe, far from it as some of it is actually quite bold (such as innuendo unlike any seen in any production of 'Antony and Cleopatra'), while still being tasteful and true in spirit.
Geraint Wyn Davies is a virile, brutish but also noble Antony, with both character flaws and strengths strongly defined without going too heavy. One can see what Cleopatra sees in Antony while not making him too perfect. Yanna McIntosh is enchantingly sensual and cunning as Cleopatra, while Tom McCamus is a deeply poignant Enobarbus and Ben Carlson's Caesar is authoritative and convincing in his cunning and frustrations. Antoine Yared does duplicitous expertly.
Concluding, wonderful. 9/10.
