Titus Andronicus - Episode 1 - Be Not Gauled

In the wake of the Emperor’s death, his two sons–Saturninus (the eldest) and Bassianus (the younger, more popular)--argue over who should rule Rome, as their armed supporters clash in the streets. The Tribune Marcus Andronicus (Titus’s brother) intervenes to stop the fight. He announces that the Roman people have chosen his brother, Titus Andronicus, to be the new Emperor because of his legendary military service. Titus enters in triumph with his four surviving sons, the bodies of his dead sons in coffins, and high-profile prisoners of war–including Tamora, Queen of the Goths, and her three sons. Titus refuses the crown due to his old age and instead endorses Saturninus, who becomes the new Emperor. Titus’s son, Lucius, demands that the eldest captive Goth prince, Alarbus, be sacrificed to appease the ghosts of Titus’s fallen sons. Tamora begs for her son’s life, but Titus insists on the brutal religious rite. Alarbus is dismembered and killed. Grieved and enraged, Tamora and her surviving sons swear revenge against Titus and his family. As a reward for his loyalty, Saturninus chooses to marry Titus’s daughter, Lavinia. However, Lavinia is already legally betrothed to Saturninus's rival brother, Bassianus. Saturninus abruptly changes course and decides to marry Tamora instead, making her the new Empress of Rome. With the help of Marcus and Titus’s sons, Bassianus escapes with Lavinia. Furious at what he views as family treason and disrespect toward the emperor, Titus kills his own son, Mutius, for letting Bassianus and Lavinia get away. 

CREDITS:

The PLAY ON PODCAST SERIES, “TITUS ANDRONICUS”, was written by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE and translated into modern English verse by AMY FREED. All episodes were directed by DANNY SCHEIE. Radio play by CATHERINE EATON.

 

Executive Producer: MICHAEL GOODFRIEND

 

This podcast was recorded under a SAG-AFTRA AGREEMENT.

 

The cast is as follows:

 

JAMES CARPTENER                          as    TITUS ANDRONICUS

PATRICK KERR                                   as    MARCUS ANDRONICUS