(Maxie Szalwinska’s article appeared in the Guardian, 1/9.)
Ivo van Hove's Roman Tragedies was one of the theatrical highlights of 2009. A six-hour mash-up of Coriolanus, Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra, the Belgian director's inspired show used sharp-suited actors and live video to create something akin to Shakespeare crossed with 24-hour rolling news. The Guardian's Lyn Gardner said the production, performed at the Barbican, made it seem "as if Shakespeare is not only our contemporary but only finished writing the plays this morning".