If you enjoyed Tony Howard’s brilliant investigation of Shakespeare’s Cleopatra in Issue 3 of Shakespeare Magazine, here are three more actresses who have tackled this endlessly complex and fascinating role. Thank you to Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington DC for these archive images.
Click on the images to enlarge and enjoy.
Suzanne Bertish as Cleopatra in the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s 2007-2008 Season production of Antony and Cleopatra, directed by Michael Kahn. Photo by Carol Pratt.
Helen Carey as Cleopatra, with Starla Benford as Charmian and Opal Alladin as Iras, in the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s 1996-1997 Season production of Antony and Cleopatra, directed by Ron Daniels. Photo by Carol Rosegg.
Franchelle Stewart Dorn as Cleopatra and Gail Grate as Charmian in the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s 1988-1989 Season production of Antony and Cleopatra, directed by Michael Kahn. Photo by Joan Marcus.
More from: Shakespeare Theatre Company
Did you see any of these productions? Which is your favourite portrayal of Shakespeare’s Cleopatra on stage or screen? Leave a comment below and let us know.
[…] Write a letter to Cleopatra thanking her for her capacity to stand up so strongly against the instability of Antony’s mind and feelings. (CREATIVE) Dearest Cleopatra, It is with my sincerest regards that I thank you for capacity to stand so strongly against Antony. The lack of stability in his thoughts was concerning! It was as if he believed you were at his beck and call, but your strength and beliefs proved that this was not the case. Sometimes it is difficult to not be captivated by relationships with men, and get lost in their mind as well. It can be a downwards spiral, but your stance against his mixed emotions empowers women everywhere. It would have been difficult of course, but being the more beautiful woman in these circumstances would have it’s benefits. It is your passion that fills me with hope, seeing a woman of your stature rise against the simple wills of men. You are so enriching, and I thank you immensely for your stance. For centuries, your strength will continue to flow through young women, giving them the ability to stand up for what the believe in and rise above male instabilities. Such charm in a female body should not go unnoticed and the power that arises with it should not go un-thanked. Dearest Cleopatra, thank you. Kind Regards, Jessica, a simple literature student. An interpretation of your beauty, Cleopatra. Helen Carey as Cleopatra, with Starla Benford as Charmian and Opal Alladin as Iras, in the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s 1996-1997 Season production of Antony and Cleopatra, directed by Ron Daniels. Photo by Carol Rosegg. http://www.shakespearemagazine.com/2014/07/a-photographic-glimpse-of-cleopatras-past-from-washington… […]