[Window] Shakespeare's Final Tragedy 'Coriolanus'

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] Gaius Marcius is a Roman general. When Rome was in crisis due to an attack by rebels, he captured the rebel stronghold 'Corioli,' saving Rome from danger. Marcius quickly emerged as a hero who saved Rome. He was given the title 'Coriolanus' (according to the foreign language transcription rule), and the public enthusiastically supported Coriolanus.

However, Coriolanus was not a figure friendly to the public. While soldiers like himself defended Rome, the public only expressed dissatisfaction with the government and did nothing else. He believed that the public should not be granted any authority. This attitude became problematic, and although Coriolanus was mentioned as a candidate for the next leader, he was instead expelled from Rome. After being banished, Coriolanus allied with the rebels and attacked Rome.

'Coriolanus' is known as the last tragedy written by William Shakespeare. Recently, I had the opportunity to see this play twice. In November last year, the 'Roman Tragedies' performed at the LG Arts Center was a work combining three Shakespearean plays set in Rome, with 'Coriolanus' as the first performance. 'Coriolanus' was also performed again in January this year at the Dongdaemun-gu Content Culture Square. The theater company Sangsangmanbal, which staged 'Coriolanus' for the first time in Korea, held a revival after four years.

The political insights Shakespeare perceived through 'Coriolanus' remain valid today. In Sangsangmanbal's 'Coriolanus' performance, there is a conversation between a civic group activist and an opposition politician: "You think politics is a gamble." "No, I think it's a war."

The public indeed doubts whether politicians currently have the qualifications to lead the country. The low voter turnout proves this. The situation is expected to be the same in the upcoming April 15 general election, just over a month away.

Director Park Hae-sung, who staged 'Coriolanus,' said the play was created to pose questions about politics. 'Roman Tragedies' also ended by raising numerous questions. Even after the actors' curtain call, the audience remained captivated by questions displayed on the monitor and did not leave their seats for a while. The questions seemed to target both politicians and the public.

Can politics change an individual's views? Should politicians tell the public what they want to hear? Does the public discern reason well? Is it acceptable for politicians to be irrational? Is it honorable to risk one's life fighting for a cause? How far can we go for democracy? Is democracy more important than an individual's life? Is everything dependent on communication? Is the public blind? Is political humility paradoxical? Can politicians have friends? Is honesty a political virtue? Is politics war?

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.