Friends! Romans! Countrymen! Lend me your ears!


Well, there is no doubt about it. Julius Caesar is a play for politically-minded individuals. If you eat, sleep, and breathe current events - you will absolutely enjoy this show. The only problem? I am not one of those people, and this is the part where you get to learn more about me... more than you probably wanted to. You see, being dispassionate about politics is a passion of mine. Bottom line is: I hate them. I will not go into detail as to why because my personal political opinion is not the focus of this post, but if you would like to know, please ask. I am very open and happy to answer any questions you may have. Give me your best shot!

What I will tell you, in hopes of providing some scope on my opinion of the show, is this: I do not vote (GASP! I know), I have not been following the 2012 presidential campaigns, and I do not watch TV news. I am, however, informed. How the hell do I know what is going on, you might ask? I listen to the conversations that take place around me every day. While it may not always be the most accurate of information, it's enough to get by and it's certainly more interesting.

Oh, and I also occasionally read the newspaper and listen to news updates on the radio... sometimes.

That being said, here is where the play succeeds: It makes Shakespeare blatantly relevant. For newer/younger audiences, non-English majors, and people who just can't get past the language barrier, The Acting Company has done most of the work for you through strong modern and timely imagery. Take these pictures I found on Joseph Midyett's (Octavius Caesar) blog post of one of the rehearsals, for example:


Yes, that really is an "OCCUPY ROME" sign (if you rolled your eyes, don't worry - I did too). And yes, that is a CAESAR poster meant to look like Shepherd Fairey's Andre the Giant Has a Posse viral marketing campaign. Not to mention, the slue of prominent TV news anchors (Sean Hannity, John King, and Glen Beck just to name a few) projected over a multi-screened backdrop as you walk into the theater definitely clue you into the fact that a statement is about to be made.

Personally, I was not a fan of any of these tactics. It made me feel like they were trying too hard and left absolutely no room for interpretation. As someone who loves to analyze symbolism and figure out theatrical nuances for myself, it took most of the fun out of the experience for me. I think there is something to be said for the ability to make Shakespeare relevant in more subtle and effective ways. In this sense, The Acting Company did not succeed and, if you think about it, part of the reason Shakespeare's plays are still being taught is because they've always been relevant - on their own.

How many ages hence
Shall this our lofty scene be acted over
In states unborn and accents yet unknown!

For me, the show would have been more effective if they had kept the costumes and set the same, but left the obvious imagery out. Example:


This, to me, suggests modern politics without shoving it in the face of the audience. I even got into an argument with my fellow play-goer during intermission about whether or not the Library of Congress was the appropriate backdrop for the scene in which the conspirators plan to assassinate Caesar. It made me angry - to the point where I was raising my voice! But the truth is that is my number one piece of kudos for this show. It got me all riled up and got me talking. Good discussion is easily my favorite part of theater, and I was honestly surprised at just how much I wanted to talk about this play given its overbearing political themes.

In summary, if you are curious to see a Shakespearean play staged with a young audience in mind, want something different than the normal Guthrie fare, or have been busy "occupying" a major city somewhere, go see this show. There's no arguing its relevancy, and I'm confident in saying it's not like any Shakespeare I've seen before. Hopefully, it will get you talking too.

Later days, awake your senses, that you may the better judge...