“Cleopatra”, performed by Joy Yvonne Jonesoffers everyone an audience with the charismatic Egyptian queen through September 7. This play is a collaborative production that opens Moxie Theatre’s 20th season and closes Loud Fridge Theatre Group’s second season.
Joy Yvonne Jones’ adaptation focuses on the events of Shakespeare’s play, which centers on the formidable and fascinating Queen of Egypt, who should not be sidelined in the narrative for any man. While the source material has many characters, this one-person play tells Cleopatra’s story, from her birthright as queen to her heartbreak at betrayal.
Her Cleopatra is multi-layered, whereas she is usually just a companion to powerful men who tell their stories. This adaptation and performance shows Cleopatra’s strategic mind as a loving mother and partner, her strengths and frustrations. Combining Shakespeare’s words with Jones’ original prose and poetry, the play modernizes Cleopatra and gives the character rich dimensions.
Each scene presents a different scenario on the timeline, with brief atmospheric footage connecting them or foreshadowing upcoming events. The film, directed by Laura Skokan, keeps the timeline moving and provides context for what Cleopatra will experience next, such as when Antony (DeAndre Simmons) delivers Shakespeare’s monologue about Caesar.
Jones is magnetic as Cleopatra. As a queen, she is untouchable and majestic, vulnerable and human with feelings and flaws. She highlights the humor, heartache and humanity of this larger-than-life woman. She isn’t afraid to plot and fight the Romans on a global stage, but is vulnerable and frustrated by a universal cause – she can’t calm her screaming baby. She is strong throughout, but Jones is captivating at the end, as Cleopatra reflects on her life and contemplates what she will do next.
Although it is a solo performance, Jones is accompanied onstage by her servant Charmain, played by Kayla Adorno (who is also the assistant stage manager).
Led by Andréa Agosto, the play moves along well, using audience participation as messengers without destroying the sense of intimacy in the play. It also unabashedly celebrates Cleopatra being a black woman, and challenges the stereotype of demonizing Cleopatra for her ambition, choice of partner, and intelligence. These are all incredibly relevant things; one only has to look at our current political landscape to see that these challenges are still too common.
Set designer Eleanor Williams created a beautiful, open and airy set, accentuated by Egyptian and African pieces. Sammy Webster’s lighting design complements the set well, playing with colors to create atmospheric moments and highlighting the Egyptian motifs on the columns. Zoë Trautmann’s costumes are beautiful and full of rich colors, Lesa M. Green’s choreography and Michael Wogulis’ projection design complement the image of this story being played out.
As is often the case with solo shows, there are interruptions when the performer is away from the stage, but this is quickly recovered when Jones returns. Her stage presence is captivating and her connection to the character and the story is clear to see.
“I lived by my rules and I die by my will.” Jones applies to play Cleopatra. “Say how you feel about me, but you will never forget me.”
How to get tickets
“Cleopatra”, a Co-production of Moxie Theatre and Loud Fridge Theatre Group, plays through September 7th at the Moxie Theater. For ticket and showtime information, contact the Moxie Theatre or the Loud Fridge Theatre Group..
Photo credit: Daren Scott
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