The Tragedy of Coriolanus

The Tragedy of Coriolanus
Theatre for a New Audience
Polonsky Shakespeare Center
February 8, 2026 

Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

The Theatre for a New Audience production of The Tragedy of Coriolanus is strikingly relevant.  Director Ash K. Tata sets this Shakespeare classic in “just after now.”  With the action including retribution by a powerful leader, the manipulation of the voice of the people, and war for personal gain, it is easy to see history repeating itself over centuries.  The cast works as a phenomenal ensemble, some playing numerous roles, all heightening the urgency with each consecutive scene.  

McKinley Belcher III as Coriolanus
Photo courtey of Theatre for a New Audience

Caius Martius (played by McKinley Belcher III) is victorious in the Roman siege of the Volscian city of Corioles, single handedly defeating Tullus Aufidius (played by understudy Shirine Babb).  He is hailed a hero and given the name Coriolanus.  When he returns to Rome, his pride causes him to lose favor with his citizens.  His mother, Volumnia (played by Roslyn Ruff) counsels him on how to calm the situation.  Menenius Agrippa (played by Jason O’Connell) pushes him to make a public appearance, where his temper gets the best of him.  After Sicinius Velutus (played by William Demeritt) and Junius Brutus (played by Zuzanna Szadkowski) cunningly manipulate the voice of the people, Coriolanus is banned from Rome.  He travels back to the city of his heroic battle to form an alliance with Tullus Aufidius and seek retribution on the city of his birth. 

Meredith Garretson, Emma Ramos, McKinley Belcher III,
Merlin McCormick, & Roslyn Ruff
Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

There are outstanding performances from every member of this cast.  McKinley Belcher III is a mighty Coriolanus, fearlessly filled with pride and courageously ready to defend his title.  Roslyn Ruff is powerful as Volumnia.  She proudly shows her adoration for her son, then shamelessly kneels to him to beg his return to Rome.  She commands the stage when Virgilia, Coriolanus’ wife (played by Meredith Garretson), his son, Martius (played by Merlin McCormick), and Valeria (played by Emma Ramos) try to convince Coriolanus to retreat in his attack on Rome.  It is a brilliantly director and masterfully performed scene, resolving the main conflict in the second act, while unknowingly setting Coriolanus up for his demise.

Due to sudden illness, understudy Shirine Babb went on as Tullus Aufidius with only one day of rehearsal.  She carried pages from her script and delivered a brilliant performance.  She was fully present in every scene, confronting Coriolanus in battle and meeting him head to head as an ally.  She and Mr. Belcher were evenly matched in strength and presence, building tension and raising the stakes. 

The Tragedy of Coriolanus is playing at Theatre for a New Audience’s Polonsky Shakespeare Center in downtown Brooklyn through March 1.  It is a spectacular production, maintaining the high standard of quality set by this magnificent company. 

Domenick Danza