Archduke

 Archduke
Roundabout at Laura Pels
Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre
November 1, 2025

Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

In his new play, Archduke, Rajiv Joseph takes a microscopic look at a crucial moment in world history.  The action is intellectually engaging and emotionally riveting.  His characters are all driven by strong, definitive urgency.  Their choice seems simple, yet they are constantly circling with questions.  Director Darko Tresnjak allows the rhythm in Mr. Joseph’s writing to soar, revealing the conflict and building the tension.  The characters continually poke at one another, giving each cast member equal opportunity to establish themselves while illuminating the laughs.  

The year is 1914.  Dragutin “Apis” Dimitrijevic, better known as The Captain (played by Patrick Page), is recruiting young men for a deadly mission.  He needs six men who desire meaning in their lives.  He only finds three: Gavrilo (played by Jake Berne), Nedeljko (played by Jason Sanchez), and Trifko (played by Adrien Rolet).  They are sent to him by a doctor who has diagnosed them with consumption.  They are lungers and have very little time left to live.  They are easily manipulated into The Captain’s murderous plan, including taking cyanide when the deed is done.  They are to board a train to Sarajevo, then kill the Archduke Franz Ferdianand and his wife, Duchess of Hohenberg.  That is, if they do not stop off for a sandwich along the way. 

Jake Berne, Adrien Rolet, & Jason Sanchez
Rehearsal photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

Jake Berne portrays Gavrilo’s meekness and intellectual curiosity the moment he enters at the top of the show.  In a short time, Jason Sanchez arrives as Nedeljko, who is brawnier and rougher.  They test and challenge one another, both knowing what is at stake if they falter.  They are equally matched, and it is through this persistent confrontation that the audience understands them.  They develop a palpable bond that is put to yet another test when Trifko shows up.  Adrien Rolet is militant and demanding in this role.  He is questioned to his breaking point by Gavrilo and Nedeljko.  These three actors are captivating.  They make bold choices that reveal their characters’ grit and gusto, which thrusts the action forward. 

Patrick Page takes command as The Captain in scene two.  He manipulates the three young men, playing on their weakness.  He fabricates a story about who caused their consumption, then identifies this as the enemy.  He tells tall tales of his bravery in the fight against that enemy.  Mr. Page works every tactic as the three recruits question every detail of his plan, compete for his attention, and defend their integrity. 

The Full Cast
Rehearsal photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

Kristine Nielson is mysterious and witty as Sladjana, The Captain’s cook.  She feeds the young men to get them on The Captain’s side, then disciplines them for their juvenile behavior.  As Mr. Page uses masculine force to show power, Ms. Neilson is like a cat, silently making her way into the minds of the recruits.  She is sly and has an agenda of her own.  She uses her signature comic timing to effectively embody this role.

The strong message of the play is to take action that gives your life meaning.  Since the recruits are all dying of consumption, they easily fall for that ruse.  It is not until they are on the train to Sarajevo to assassinate the Archduke, and inevitably start World War I, that they ask themselves another question that gives them pause.  Mr. Joseph examines this historic moment by simply asking an alternative question. 

Archduke is playing at Roundabout Theatre Company’s Laura Pels Theatre through December 21.  It is a brilliant production.  It will make you think, but more importantly, it will make you question. 

Domenick Danza

All the Devils Are Here

 All the Devils Are Here
How Shakespeare Invented the Villain
DR 2 (Daryl Roth) Theatre
December 16, 2023 

Photo courtesy of All the Devils Are Here

In his one-person show, All the Devils Are Here, Patrick Page reaches deep into your soul and takes you on a journey to understanding the evil that lurks within.  He analyzes the development of William Shakespeare’s plays, as reflected in the evolution of his dark, villainous characters.  Director Simon Godwin collaborates with Mr. Page to fully embody these multidimensional, psychologically complex characters, who are driven by revenge, greed, ambition, and fear.

Mr. Page tells the story of the progression of Shakespeare’s philosophy and the evolution of his skills as a playwright and artist.  He takes a chronological looks at Shakespeare’s work, focusing on the villain characters to illustrate the growth and change in Shakespeare’s understanding of human nature.  He performs monologues, and sometimes scenes, from Hamlet, The Merchant of Venice, Othello, Macbeth, The Tempest, Richard III, and Twelfth Night.  His interpretation of these evil characters proves the thesis he claims in his narrative.  We feel Shylock’s thirst for revenge.  We grasp Richard III’s acceptance of his dark nature and aspiration of supremacy.  We witness Iago’s sociopathic manipulation.  We laugh at Malvolio’s pompous desire for power.  We sympathize with Claudius in his moment of prayer.  We follow Macbeth’s decision to commit the heinous act that severely alters the trajectory of his life.  We appreciate Prospero’s release of vengeance and acceptance of forgiveness.  This all exemplifies how William Shakespeare invented the villain by making them three dimensional, identifiable, and empathetic.  

Patrick Page
Photo courtesy of All the Devils Are Here

Mr. Page’s knowledge of Shakespeare’s canon of plays and the context in which his characters take action is expansive and admirable.  His skill in focusing this expertise to create truthful moments of passion is truly mesmerizing.  

All the Devils Are Here is playing at the DR2 Theatre through February 25.  It is an inspiring piece of theatre.  Get a ticket right away! 

Domenick Danza

Coriolanus

Coriolanus

Red Bull Theater

Barrow Street Theatre

October 22, 2016

Photo courtesy of Red Bull Theater

Red Bull Theater’s production of Coriolanus is filling the Barrow Street Theatre with the insistence of conspiracy, insurrection, and fury.  Through the vision of director Michael Sexton, this historic Shakespeare tale of ego and pride is made relevant to our present political environment.  As the program states: “The Scene: Rome, 492 BCE, Here, Now.”  By placing the audience in the center of the action, Mr. Sexton and the design team, Brett J. Banakis (set and lighting) and Brandon Wolcott (sound), makes this bloody and aggressive production a visceral experience for all who attend.

Dion Johnstone as Coriolanus
Photo courtesy of Red Bull Theater

When Caius Martius (played by Dion Johnstone) is victorious in battle, he is haled “Coriolanus” and thrust into the political spotlight by his close friend and supporter Menenius Agrippa (played by Patrick Page). Sicinius Velutus (played by Stephen Spinella) and Junius Brutus (played by Merrritt Janson) see to it that the people rebel against Coriolanus’ brusque demeanor and forceful temperament.  The upheaval leads to his banishment.  Coriolanus finds shelter with his enemy Tullus Aufidius (played by Matthew Amendt).  Together they plan on overthrowing the government.  The only one able to convince him to back down from revenge is his mother Volumnia (played by Lisa Harrow), causing disgrace for her and a tragic ending for him.

Patrick Page as Menius Agrippa
Photo courtesy of Red Bull Theater

The performances are powerful and commanding.  The ensemble incites your emotions the moment the play begins.  The political alliances and rivalries are intriguing.  Dion Johnstone and Lisa Harrow deliver performances with depth and honesty that shed light on the flaws and motivations of characters who thrive on power.  Patrick Page, Stephen Spinella, and Merritt Janson embody political figures ruled by the duality of a public life in politics.

The Red Bull Theater production of Coriolanus is stark, bold, and realistic.  Go see it and get a jolt of just how true it is that history repeats itself.  It will be playing at Barrow Street Theatre through November 20.

Domenick Danza