Blood, rape and mutilation are not what come to mind when someone mentions the name William Shakespeare, but it will after this weekend.

At 8 p.m. today and tomorrow in 111 Forum Building, No Refund Theatre will perform one of Shakespeare's lesser-known and bloodier plays, Titus Andronicus.

Titus Andronicus is full of the good stuff that floods our media system in the modern world -- scheming, revenge and violence.

The story begins in Rome where there is a dispute over who will be the next Caesar. Saturninus, the late emperor's eldest son argues his claim is the most valid because he was first born. Bassianus the younger son claims his is valid because he has the support of the people and thinks the senate should hold an election.

Their argument is interrupted when Titus Andronicus, a triumphant general who has returned victorious from a 10-year battle with the Goths, is named by the masses to decide who gets the crown. Tamora, Queen of the Goths who has been taken as a prisoner of war, further complicates the plot. Titus and his sons agree a human sacrifice must be offered in order to appease the spirits of the dead; therefore they kill one of Tamora's sons.

"I am a catalyst for a lot of tragedy," said Amanda Hecht (senior-integrative arts), who plays Tamora.

From that point on Tamora swears revenge on the entire Andronicus family. Tamora and her family then become involved in a web of double-crossing and treachery with the Andronicus family that results in a lot of bloodshed.

"Titus was one of Shakespeare's earlier plays; it's what established him as a popular playwright, which would allow him to write his better known later plays. I want people to see this part of Shakespeare, the side of him people never see," said director Luke Davin (junior-film and video).

The play only calls for three female parts, so Davin did a lot of cross casting.

"It's very different because of the lower amount of casting. Most of the females are cast in males roles which is ironic because in Shakespeare's time it was the other way around," Davin said.

According to the stage manager, Megan Painter (sophomore-integrative arts), a more non-traditional approach was taken when they designed their costumes.

"Shakespearean costumes are difficult because of the time period. We're trying to change the traditional clothing of togas in Titus by modernizing them with pants and various accessories," Painter said.

Students have often labeled Shakespearean plays as a difficult and laborious genre to read through, but Davin began preparations for the play last semester, requiring his cast members to memorize their lines over the summer.

"Actually, Shakespeare is easier to work with when you get the hang of the language and flow of things. It's not that bad once you get past the interpretation part," said Eric Leslie (junior-theatre and computer science), who plays Titus.

Another challenge members of NRT faced were the numerous versions of Titus Andronicus in circulation.

As with all NRT performances, the cost is free.