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

After last year’s rousing presentation of The Merchant of Venice, King’s Theatre, the drama team of Mannar Thirumalai Naicker College is back with a bold new production of Antony and Cleopatra, which ran from January 5 to 9 at their college campus.

The play marked a dramatic shift from romantic comedy to historical tragedy, as the college adapts one of Shakespeare’s most complex and emotionally driven works. LM Joseph Paul Bezalel, assistant professor of English (SF), said, “The decision to stage Antony and Cleopatra was not made lightly. The play, known for its layered characters and political depth, is often avoided by amateur troupes. But the challenge for this year’s ensemble was part of the appeal.” He added, “While many production teams gravitate towards Shakespeare’s more accessible works, Antony and Cleopatra remains a rare choice and is often sidelined due to the demands of its emotional terrain and the logistical weight of staging it in its grandeur.”

Team Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Why Antony and Cleopatra? The answer lies in the magnetic power of Cleopatra herself. The production team said, “She is the definitive character indicator for queenship.” “Her complexity is not a flaw, but a mirror to modern women navigating a world that demands to be everything at once.” This depiction attempts to reclaim the legend of Cleopatra 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 surprisingly different stage design by choosing a block set while showcasing a bold architectural design. Even the wings for entry and exit were reimagined. In a daring departure from traditional theater practice, the crew lowered the curtain during set changes, and instead let the audience witness the changes in real time.

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