Ottawa Fringe Festival 2016: As Rome Burns brings best of theatre to the Fringe

Nicholas Dave Amott is very young but already accomplished artist, admired for his acting and writing ability. In his latest endeavour “As Rome Burns”, he reaches new highs in both.

The story about an emperor who fiddles while Rome burns might not be a historical fact (historians are still divided on that topic), but it is known that Nero came from a long line of Julio-Claudian dynasty, known for its numerous murders, subnormal behaviour, orgies, and incest. Nero, who was the latest in the line, according the ancient sources, was know for his extraordinary tyranny and his love for theatrical art.

Amott uses historical facts in order to paint a picture of a hated emperor who committed suicide when he was condemned as a traitor and a public enemy. He enters Nero’s mind skilfully, revealing the emperor’s inability to face reality and his constant hiding behind the imagined world. Power over Rome was not enough for him – he had to have power over people close to him, over friends and relatives and all those faithful. He craves validation, absolute surrender and unquestioning support. In the wake of his narcissistic nature, completely devoid of reality, he destroys everybody and everything that he touches- even stripping people of their humanity and identity.  

As Rome Burns is a masterpiece in writing and performing. The actors successfully carry their respective roles, giving each character a strong personality. Wonderfully written and well directed, the play manages to portray forces of destruction and to convey ideas that, although set in ancient Rome, probe much closer to home. With this piece, FireFlood Entertainment brings the best of theatre to the Fringe.

  

Created by Nicholas Dave Amott  

Produced by FireFlood Entertainment

Directed by Brennan Richardson

 

Cast:

Nero                                                  Nicholas Dave Amott  

Sporus                                              Sam Dietrich

Claudius/Seneca                            LawrenceEvanchick          

Agrippina/Poppaea Sabina           Victoria Luloff

Phaon/Marcus Salvius Otho         BrennanRichardson

 

 Showtimes

 

Friday, June 17 6:30pm

 Saturday, June 189:30pm

 Sunday, June 19 1:00pm

 Wednesday, June 22 11:00pm

 Friday, June 24 8:30pm

 Sunday, June 26 3:30pm

 Venue 3 – Studio Léonard-Beaulne