Philadelphia, PA, USA
Red Bull Theater’s Sardanapalus & Global Watch Party Review
By Elias Brockman
"I thought to have made my rule An era of sweet peace 'midst bloody annals... On which the Future would turn back and smile"
The night before Halloween, as autumn’s chill set in, we had the privilege of witnessing Red Bull Theater’s stirring live-reading of Sardanapalus, Lord Byron’s tragedy about the fall of the Assyrian empire. This event was part of the theater’s “Revelation Reading” series, where some of New York’s finest stage artists bring seldom-performed works to life. The reading held special significance this year, marking the 200th anniversary of Byron’s death—a true tribute to one of the Romantic era’s greatest poets, made possible through a collaboration between The Byron Society of America, the Keats-Shelley Association of America, and the Keats-Shelley House in Rome.
Presented as a “closet drama”—a play written for reading rather than staging—Sardanapalus challenges modern theatrical conventions. Byron designed it as an exploration of the interior world, relying on language, imagination, and reflection rather than spectacle. For those who appreciate a more contemplative theatrical experience, the reading was a rare treat.
In an era of fleeting attention spans, Sardanapalus boldly demands its audience’s patience, immersing them in the lavish decadence of the Assyrian court and the introspective conflict of a ruler who questions his own kingship. The lead actors brought this story to life with rich nuance: Amir Arison’s portrayal of Sardanapalus struck a balance between kind-hearted humor and the king’s resigned fatalism, while Shayvawn Webster as Myrrha, his Greek slave and lover, embodied the wise, steady presence guiding the ruler with both devotion and caution. Sanjit De Silva’s stern Salamenes provided a grounded counterpoint to the hedonistic king, and Atra Asdou’s poignant performance as Zarina, Sardanapalus’ estranged wife, added layers of pathos, depicting the cost of a pleasure-driven rule on loved ones.
The ensemble’s dedication to their roles gave life to Byron’s complex characters. Merritt Janson and Amir Malaklou heightened the court’s tension as the conspiring satraps, escalating the drama to its ultimate tragic end. As the cast navigated Sardanapalus’ journey from indulgence to reluctant responsibility, the reading unfolded like a feast for the imagination—a banquet worthy of the emperor himself.
Byron’s Sardanapalus raises a compelling question: what truly makes a ruler great? In Sardanapalus, we see a king who values peace, revelry, and the ephemeral joys of life, rejecting the conquest-driven legacies of his forebears. He views his ancestors, such as Nimrod and Semiramis, as cruel despots who sacrificed lives for their own glory. Instead, Sardanapalus aspires to rule with compassion, hoping to alleviate suffering rather than add to it. Yet, as the play painfully reveals, a benevolent ruler may be ill-suited to maintain an empire. History and political realities press Sardanapalus to embrace a more aggressive role, one that grates against his very nature.
In the final acts, the king’s reluctance to prioritize power over peace becomes his undoing. He is drawn reluctantly into battle, only to withdraw from the pursuit of victory, prioritizing beauty over conquest to the very end. Rather than fleeing, Sardanapalus chooses a fiery, poignant end with Myrrha by his side, lighting a final bonfire of incense and treasures as a testament to his ideals.
Through this tragic tale, Byron echoes the line from Ecclesiastes, “All is vanity.” Should rulers like Sardanapalus—those who value beauty over dominion—abstain from power? The question resonates with the wisdom of Solomon, whom we’ll soon explore in our upcoming session on Ecclesiastes. For those intrigued by these themes, join us as we explore further the wisdom literature and philosophically reflect on the timeless questions contained therein.
For more information on our sessions or to RSVP, please contact us at mindonfireinstitute@gmail.com.
