Kuala Lumpur, July 2024 – lowercase laboratories is excited to unveil its debut text adaptation with a fresh, innovative interpretation of Shakespeare’s “Titus Andronicus.” Directed by Low Yee Choy, this 90-minute production promises to push theatrical boundaries and redefine audience expectations with its unique use of real flowers to symbolize violence and an immersive staging format.
“Titus Andronicus” is notorious for its intense scenes of murder, sexual violence, severed limbs, and even cannibalism. In this production, lowercase labs reimagines the play by delving into the psychological complexities of its characters and the brutal consequences of their actions. Producer-Director Low Yee Choy, known for his sold-out 2023 Theatresauce production “so happy I could die,” brings his visionary approach to this classic, exploring the tragic journey of Titus and the ripple effects of his decisions.
This production employs real, dead, and dried flowers to symbolize the pervasive violence and decay within the narrative. These flowers are integrated into the set, props, and costumes, creating a hauntingly beautiful visual representation that contrasts the deadly with the delicate. Inspired by the use of candles in the Shakespeare Globe’s 2022 production of “Titus Andronicus,” this design choice enhances the play’s thematic elements and provides a unique aesthetic that captivates and challenges the audience.
The audience will be seated in a square formation, reminiscent of a mosh pit, with the action happening around them. This immersive staging allows the audience to feel as though they are part of the drama, enhancing the emotional and psychological impact of the performance. Every moment is felt viscerally, making the experience unforgettable.
Director Low Yee Choy chose “Titus Andronicus” for its resonance with current global conflicts, where disputes often arise over mutual impact despite clear harm to a specific party. The relationship between the Goths and the Andronici family mirrors these real-world dynamics. Additionally, as one of Shakespeare’s early works, “Titus Andronicus” offers glimpses of the themes and styles that would define his later masterpieces. For Low, drawn to chaos on stage, no other play could be more fitting for this milestone in his career.
Despite the inherent violence in the piece, Low embraces the challenge of presenting brutality juxtaposed with beauty through the use of flowers. This production continues his trajectory of collaborating with artists from various disciplines, this time incorporating a floral artist to bring his unique vision to life.
The production features a stellar cast of 10 actors, with some characters being gender-bent to better fit the current climate and context. This fresh approach provides a different lens through which to view “Titus Andronicus,” adding layers of depth and contemporary relevance to the classic tale.
“titus andronicus” by lowercase laboratories will run from August 15 to August 18 at Black Box, Damansara Performing Arts Centre. Tickets are RM78 for standard entry, head over to https://www.facebook.com/lowercaselabs/ for more details.
