We’ve all been touched by Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar at some point or other, whether studying it in school, watching it on stage or screen or simply looking at our current political climate of mutinous backstabbing within our own government. When art imitates life, or the other way around…
Brutus and Cassius conspire to extinguish their leader with the view of creating a better
government. But things don’t quite go to plan. This production by Bell Shakespeare is underwhelming and visually dull. Director James Evans has tried to inject a contemporary feel, with metal scaffolding and jeans and t-shirts, but nothing sits quite right. The cast isn’t big enough to effectively produce a riotous pack of rebels, and therefore falls flat when there should be sizzling electricity and excitement.
The performances on the whole feel overdone and careless, and lacking in direction. The
aimless wandering on stage shows us a lack of confidence in the text – and the text is the
linchpin of Shakespeare. Kenneth Ransom as the titular character has an appealing grace on stage, but his sing-song approach to the text seems to weaken Caesar’s strength and power. Visually he strikes an imposing figure, but he doesn’t hit the mark in embodying a man who made it to the top with such ease.
James Lugton is a shining star in this production. His contemplative Brutus is anchored in
truth, and Lugton’s natural affinity for (and ability to wield) Shakespeare’s language makes
him compelling to watch. Most other performances verge on hammy, which is uncomfortable to watch.
More could have been made of Mark Antony being played by a woman. The most exciting part of the show is Nate Edmonson’s music. It’s mesmeric, dynamic and just downright epic. If only it was matched with epic scenes on stage.
Shakespeare’s play, as ever, is universally and timelessly relevant. In the hands of a company like Bell Shakespeare this production of it should have been enthralling.
Alana Kaye – Theatre Now
Julius Caesar
William Shakespeare
23 Oct – 25 Nov 2018
Previews:
23rd/24th Oct 7:30pm
Season:
Tue & Wed 6:30pm
Thur – Sat 7:30pm
Sat Matinee 2pm
Sun Matinee 4pom
Venue: Sydney Opera House: Playhouse Theatre
Theatre Company: Bell Shakespeare
Duration: Aprox 2 houes 35 Minutes
Brutus is suspicious. Cassius is conspiring. Caesar’s days are numbered.
Loved by the people, Caesar’s power is growing – which is dangerous if you live in a world driven by ego and idealism. Those that rise too fast must be dealt with. For the good of the country. For the good of those who wish to be rulers themselves.
Bell Shakespeare’s Associate Director, James Evans, will direct a production that’s seething with rage, leaving audiences breathless at how quickly violence reveals the fragility of democracy. Starring Kenneth Ransom (Gods of Egypt, Belvoir’s Prize Fighter) as Caesar, and featuring an ensemble cast including Ivan Donato (Richard 3), Maryanne Fonceca, Emily Havea, Nick Simpson-Deeks and Russell Smith, this production will tour to 28 venues around Australia.
Experience the tension between aspiration and ambition, the triumphal entrances and brutal exits, as it is all laid on the line for Rome.
By William Shakespeare
Director James Evans
Designer Anna Tregloan
Lighting Designer Verity Hampson
Composer & Sound Designer Nate Edmondson
Movement & Fight Director Scott Witt
Voice Coach Jess Chambers
Assistant Director Nasim Khosravi
Cast
Kenneth Ransom
Jemwel Danao
Maryanne Fonceca
Ghenoa Gela
Neveen Hanna
Emily Havea
James Lugton
Nick Simpson-Deeks
Russell Smith
Sara ZwangobaniSara Zwangobani
Ticket Prices
Premium from $45 – $95
A Reserve from $40 – $75
B Reserve from $35 – $55
