Canadian actor Dion Johnstone is set to make his New York stage debut in the Red Bull Theater production of William Shakespeare’s Coriolanus, directed by Michael Sexton, artistic director of the Shakespeare Society. Performances are scheduled to begin October 18 at the Barrow Street Theatre.
Johnstone, who will star in the title role, will be joined by Lisa Harrow (Wit, The Omen), Patrick Page (Cymbeline, Spring Awakening) and Stephen Spinella (Love! Valour! Compassion!, Angels in America), alongside Matthew Amendt ('Tis Pity She's a Whore), Zachary Fine (Two Gents), Rebecca S'Manga Frank, Merritt Janson (Tamburlaine), Aaron Krohn (Cabaret), Edward O'Blenis, Christina Pumariega (Volpone) and Olivia Reis, making her professional debut.
The production will kick off the company’s 2016-17 season, with an official opening night set for October 30. The engagement will continue through November 30.
“The streets are full of protest. Economic inequality strains the social fabric. Debates rage throughout a nation riddled with dissension and distrust,“ read production notes for Coriolanus. “It’s election year in Rome, 493 B.C.E. As unscrupulous politicians manipulate public opinion, the hypocrisy and humiliation of political campaigns drive away the country’s finest. But beneath this political drama looms the personal tragedy of one man’s emotional blindness. This visceral new production will spark an electric dramatic dialogue between actors and audiences.“
The design team includes Brett J. Banakis (scenic and lighting), Ásta Bennie Hostetter (costumes) and Brandon Wolcott (sound).
For tickets and more information, visit redbulltheater.com or call (212) 352-3101.