Coriolanus is one of Shakespeare’s later tragedies, written around 1608, and it’s often compared to King Lear and Macbeth. Still, the title character is one of Shakespeare’s least knowable. Based on one of Rome’s greatest warriors, Coriolanus follows the hero as he wins the office of consul. But can a consummate general be a successful statesman? Coriolanus quickly discovers that politics are dirtier than he could ever have imagined. This production, directed by Lyndsey Turner, stars the powerful David Oyelowo (Selma, Lawman: Bass Reeves) as Coriolanus. The play’s warnings about populism and the dangers of fascism couldn’t be more timely. —Alice Browne