"Britannicus"

Jean Racine’s tautly plotted 1669 tragedy is part political thriller, part dramatic family saga, as the young emperor Nero runs amuck, dumping his wife to go after the beloved of his half-brother, Britannicus. Racine charts the public and private scandals at the beginning of the fall of the Roman Empire with poetic language that is operatic in its passion. The classic marks the final production directed by Robert Woodruff in his role as American Repertory Theatre’s artistic director. The cast includes Kevin O’Donnell as Britannicus and Alfredo Narciso as Nero, as well as A.R.T. actors Joan McIntosh, David Wilson Barnes, and Adrianne Krstansky.

KAREN CAMPBELL