All Hail Caesar!

Burbage Theater Company crafted a first-rate production of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar at the William Hall Library in Cranston. A riveting show from beginning to end, this version of the classic tragedy sparkles with electrifying performances.

In 44 BC, a few members of the Roman senate, as a means of preventing the ascension of a dictator, murdered Julius Caesar (Vince Petronio), one of the great rulers of the ancient world. Led by the infamous Marcus Brutus (Dillon Medina), the faction of senators stabbed Caesar 33 times on the floor of the senate. The play deals with the consequences of that action, and how the quest for power and glory can corrupt a man.

Brutus serves as a friend to Caesar and is caught up in the deadly conspiracy instigated by Cassius (Aaron Morris). When Caesar is murdered, Cassius and his fellow conspirators rejoice and proclaim a new era of freedom for Rome. They truly believe they are acting in the best interest of the republic. However, their best laid plans soon go horribly awry.

Director Jeff Church, who also plays Mark Antony, has staged the show in the round, with all the characters taking seats in front of the audience. This has the unique effect of drawing the theatergoer into the unfolding drama. The performers are all wearing contemporary clothing, which surprisingly, does not detract from the story. The men are all outfitted in suits, resembling a group of modern-day politicians.  There were no sets created for the production. The most remarkable aspect of the show was the cast’s ability to recreate the ancient city of Rome without the use of painted backdrops.

The lead actors delivers Shakespeare’s numerous soliloquies with the appropriate amount of passion. Morris and Medina succeed in capturing the essence of their characters’ flaws and insecurities, which ultimately lead them to self-destruction. The production also featured solid performances by Rae Mancini as Calpurnia, Caesar’s wife, Aubrey Dion as Decius Brutus, Jason Quinn as Casca, and Sarah Leach as Portia.

Julius Caesar runs August 21 through September 7. Discounts for groups of 10 or more, students and seniors. Tickets at BTCtheater@gmail.com.