The Shakespeare Theatre Company of Washington, D.C. made an unusual casting choice for its current production of “Antony and Cleopatra.” Director Michael Kahn decided to use three 20-inch ball pythons to play the role of the asp that Cleopatra uses to commit suicide in the play’s final scene. The slithery, but non-poisonous, Shakespearean actors were chosen to heighten the sense of danger and fear in the closing moments of the tragedy.
The three snakes, Motimer, Cassini and Coco, rotate playing the role depending on their feeding schedules, moods, and whether they’re shedding. While the snakes have the right look, they needed intensive ‘rehearsal’ time to prepare for the role. Snake wrangler Dani Rose spent six weeks training the snakes. During that time, they became accustomed to being handled by humans, learned to work under bright stage lights and practiced the short but critical role with the actors.
National Public Radio recently interviewed Rose about her work as a snake wrangler. The interview is available on the NPR website along with a short video about how to handle ball pythons.
Antony and Cleopatra” runs through July 6 at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C.
