The Tragedy of Julius Caesar opens Nov. 9 in Berea

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar is among the most well-known of Shakespeare’s plays, often read in today’s high schools throughout the country.  Perhaps the greatest of lines, “Et tu Brute,” and speeches, “Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears” are included in this play that Shakespearean scholar Harold Bloom describes as “so well made, so apparently direct, and so relatively simple.”  The story of betrayal and abused power is a recognizable one.

Berea College Theatre’s production is updated and set in today’s time, but still inclusive of the language and poetry.  Without using red state and blue state maps and the contemporary political rhetoric, the themes of the play are recognizable and create sharp reflections of our own society. “Beyond the social commentary, it’s a great story and one that needs to be told.  Our students are getting a physical and vocal workout in this play, and they are up for the task at hand,” says director Deborah Martin.

Martin suggested the play because of its contemporary resonance.  “We are inundated with commercials, road signs and news stories about the election of local officials, governors, senators, representatives and president,” she states.  “The central question all voters are asking in this volatile time is, ‘How will we be governed?’  It’s the same question Brutus and indeed all the conspirators ask before making their deadly decision.”

Performances are November 9, 10, 14-17 at 8pm in the McGaw Theatre.  Tickets range in price from $5 to $10 and can be reserved by calling the Berea College Theatre Box Office at (859) 985-3300 Monday through Friday, 1-5 pm.  Admission for Berea College students is pre-paid as part of their student activities fee, but reservations are required.  Convocation credit is available for this production.  As a service to our community, a sign interpreted performance will be Friday, November 16.  Listening devices for the hearing impaired, enlarged programs for the sight impaired, and special parking and seating privileges for those needing physical assistance are also available.