A bold new production of Antony and Cleopatra at Madurai’s Mannar Thirumalai Naicker College

After last year’s spirited rendition of The Merchant of Venice, King’s Theatre, the drama team at Mannar Thirumalai Naicker College was back with a bold new production of Antony and Cleopatra, that ran from January 5 to 9, at their college premises.

The play marked a dramatic shift from romantic comedy to historical tragedy, as the college embraces one of Shakespeare’s most intricate and emotionally charged works. “The decision to stage Antony and Cleopatra was not made lightly. Known for its layered characters and political depth, the play is often avoided by amateur troupes. But for this year’s ensemble, the challenge was part of the appeal,” said L.M. Joseph Paul Bezaleel, assistant professor of English (SF). “While many production teams gravitate toward Shakespeare’s more accessible works, Antony and Cleopatra remains a rare choice and often sidestepped due to its demanding emotional terrain and the logistical weight of staging its grandeur,” he added.

The team
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Special Arrangement

Why Antony and Cleopatra? The answer lies in the magnetic force of Cleopatra herself. “She is the definitive character dictum for queenship,” said the production team. “Her complexity is not a flaw, but a mirror for modern women navigating a world that demands they be everything at once.” This portrayal seeks to reclaim Cleopatra’s narrative from centuries of objectification.

This year’s production brought together students from ten departments, creating a vibrant mix of talent and perspective. The team introduced a strikingly different stage design by opting for a block set, performing a bold architectural design. Even the wings for entry and exit were reimagined. In a daring departure from traditional theatre practice, the crew minimised curtain draws during set changes, and instead let the audience witness the transformation unfold in real time.

The play was open to schools and colleges from January 5 to 9 at 9.30am and 12.30pm, and for the public on January 10 at 5.30pm, at Mannar Thirumalai Naicker College. For details, call 9789789224 or 9566497051.