Titus Andronicus

upstart crow collective presents an all-female production of Shakespeare’s bloodiest tragedy, Titus Andronicus.

Titus Andronicus explores the barbarism and brutality that lurks under the surface of civilized veneers and how revenge destroys humanity. Titus Andronicus returns victorious from war and refuses to spare the son of his royal captive, Tamora, the Queen of the Goths. When Tamora is unexpectedly elevated to Empress of Rome, she grasps the opportunity to plot a revenge involving the brutal rape and mutilation of Titus’ daughter. Titus then sets off on his own course of revenge, which culminates in one of the most horrific scenes in western drama.

Through the lens of an all-female cast, this bloody and macabre play takes a new approach to society’s understanding of male brutality. Not only does an all-female cast complicate and force us to reevaluate our understanding of power and bloodlust, but it also allows for a dozen highly accomplished female actors to perform roles that would otherwise be played by men.