THE decay of Rome reaches violent depths in Shakespeare’s bloodiest play, Titus Andronicus, which is being screened live from Stratford-upon-Avon at Bridport Electric Palace on Wednesday August 9.

When a society is oppressed, it becomes violent. How do we govern ourselves? According to the Royal Shakespeare Company, in the chaos and disorder of 2017, Titus Andronicus is a commentary on the way this world could be going.

Titus has returned from a brutal 10-year war, having lost 21 sons in battle. Betrayed by his nation, and with his family in pieces, a series of bloody events follows as he and Tamora, Queen of the Goths, begin a violent cycle of revenge.

Titus is a ruler exhausted by war and loss, who relinquishes power but leaves Rome in disorder. Rape, cannibalism and severed body parts fill the moral void at the heart of this corrupt society.

Shakespeare’s gory revenge tragedy presents us with murder as entertainment, and, as the body count piles up, poses questions about the nature of sexuality, family, class and society.

Giving it five stars, The Evening Standard says: “A sharp, confident and imaginative modern-dress reading.”

Awarding it four stars, The Guardian says: “A terrific cast give a masterclass in power and paranoia in this tremendous modern-day revival of Shakespeare’s tale of revenge.”

Blanche McIntyre (The Two Noble Kinsmen 2016) directs David Troughton in this chillingly contemporary Titus Andronicus, which is being broadcast live to cinemas on 9 August.

The play will then transfer to the Barbican for a limited London Season from December 7 2017 to January 19 2018.

*Titus Andronicus is being screened at Bridport Electric Palace on Wednesday August 9 at 7pm. Call the box office for tickets.