STAGE: 'O sweet Revenge'

Mark Petrole as Aaron in LTWB's production of "Titus Andronicus."

Oblivion Productions presents William Shakespeare’s “Titus Andronicus,” Feb. 10-11, 8 p.m.; Feb. 12, 3 p.m. LTWB (537 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre). $10, mature audiences. Info: 570.823.1875, ltwb.org.

To celebrate the region’s longest-running community theater, you may think balloons, cake or Silly String are in order, but Oblivion Productions chose instead to do so with blood. What better way to say congratulations than with a little violence and decadence live on stage?

The Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre (LTWB) and Oblivion Productions have teamed up to put on a never-before-performed play in Northeastern Pennsylvania, William Shakespeare’s “Titus Andronicus” Friday, Feb. 10-Sunday, Feb. 12 as a benefit for the theater.

While its title may not have the same notoriety as “Hamlet” or “Romeo and Juliet,” “Titus Andronicus” has everything a good Shakespeare production should have: Revenge, war, sex, murder, religion and rape.

“The play centers itself on the fall of the Roman Empire, where two warring families vie for power and control and ultimately get caught up in a barbarous cycle of revenge,” said Director Justin John Costello. “It was arguably Shakespeare’s most popular play and was one of the first, if not the first, of his manuscripts to be printed. It is noted as being Shakespeare’s most violent play.”

The tragedy is considered part of the horror genre which comes with a content warning because of the intense scenes and gore.

“If this were a film, it would most definitely be rated R,” Costello began. “With the adult themes and mature subject matter, I strongly suggest ages 18 and over.”

Despite that, Costello felt compelled to tackle “Titus Andronicus.”

“The play contains many aspects that I gravitate to, especially dealing with the darkness of the human condition,” he explained. “Also, the play being produced at this time will ring true with several current events.

“I always strive to push my own boundaries as well as an audience’s, and this play affords me the opportunity to do so on a grand, mythological and stylistic level from set to costuming to music and action upon the stage itself.”

The production is packed with both visually and emotionally dynamic scenes which require finding that perfect balance throughout the play. For Costello, it was vital to “execute them with extreme clarity and reverence to the play itself, both through speech and movement.”

Costello and the cast of 18 have worked tirelessly to get the production ready for its local debut. It will be the first time the content is being seen by many theatergoers as the show wasn’t produced as heavily as Shakespeare’s other classics.

“I think that ‘Titus Andronicus’ only has found resurgence in productions in the latter half of the century,” Costello said. “I think that due to its nature as a play, the technical and theatrical demands it places upon a production company, as well as a clear decisive vision, prevent this play from being performed more regularly.

“To use a tagline from popular horror cinema, ‘Oh yes, indeed, there will be blood,’” Costello continued. “But there will also be moments where even the most unmoved audience member will be forced to look themselves in the mirror and take accountability for their everyday actions in the real world outside of the theater.”