Sejanus - His Fall

Synopsis

Written in 1603, Ben Jonson's political thriller follows the rise of Sejanus, Emperor Tiberius' right hand man, who is ruthlessly working his way to the top, destroying everyone in his way. No-one can stop him, but his fall is inevitable.

Our Review:

19 January 2006

The RSC has disinterred another rarely-performed Jacobean play but this time it’s a mystery why it has stayed in obscurity. Jonson’s play is a powerful indictment of how one man can claw his way to power, and how quickly public opinion can turn against him.

Anyone who's seen Rome on TV will have an idea of the politicking and jostling for power that went on. But this play, set about 100 years later, makes the machinations of Pompey and Caesar look like the election for a parish council.

Gregory Doran’s clear, uncluttered production would have been sobering viewing for any party political apparatchiks as the limitations of human power are revealed. Jonson's text isn't always easy to follow – knowledge of the period would be useful to keep up with the various relationships and political alliances - but Doran quickly draws us into the story.

As Sejanus, William Houston gives a powerful performance, stopping at nothing on his rise to the top. Eschewing any atte...

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Latest User Review

62.252.64.30) - 26 January 2006:

At yesterday's matinee Barry Aird took over from an indisposed Will Houston as Sejanus and gave an excellent performance in this exciting production....

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