Join Email List

Welcome to CST

|
The Plays
Othello: The Remix
Inner Voices
Shrek The Musical
Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks: The Comedy of Errors
2013/14 Season
Recently On Our Stages
Production History

by William Shakespeare
directed by Jonathan Munby

in Chicago Shakespeare's Courtyard Theater
February 5–March 24, 2013

Audience Notice: Gunshots, strobe lights, loud sound effects, stage blood and haze will be used in the performance.

Visually thrilling, exciting and richly wrought… you won’t have any trouble embracing this production” –Chicago Tribune

“Spectacle-filled...a story for the ages. Contemporary staging a relevant sign of the times.” –Chicago Sun-Times


ExploreWhen men feel they can no longer trust their elected leader, where is the line between patriotism and personal ambition? Acclaimed British director Jonathan Munby—whose work has graced the stages of Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare's Globe—ignites the fiery power of the most enduring political assassination in history. Within the uniquely personal setting of CST’s Courtyard Theater, audience members feel each spark of emotion as words are wielded like knives in Shakespeare’s epic tale of ambition, betrayal and consequence.

Approximate Running Time: 2 hours and 30 min (includes intermission)

Julius Caesar is presented in the Jentes Family Auditorium.

All Rome takes to the streets in celebration: the great general Julius Caesar returns triumphant from his victory over Pompey. In a republic where no man may reign, the Senate now moves to place a crown on Caesar’s head. But to those who fear a ruler’s absolute power, the lifeblood of their republic, they say, rests upon the death of this one man. Led by Cassius, the men conspire to assassinate Caesar before he can be proclaimed king. Requiring the support of a high-minded colleague like Brutus to lend respectability to their plot, it is left to Cassius to persuade his friend and ally to their side.

Caesar dismisses the nightmares of his wife and the prophecies of a soothsayer, and ventures out to the Senate. It is the ides of March. Soon the great Caesar, conqueror of a vast empire, will lie silenced in his blood, surrounded by his murderers—the senators of Rome.

Brutus explains the necessity for Caesar's death to a bewildered crowd, calmed until Caesar's ally, Antony, with passionate words transforms them from frightened fragments into a murderous mob. Forced to flee Rome, Brutus and Cassius gather armies. Octavius, Caesar's nephew and heir, alongside Antony takes control of Rome, and together they plan the execution of all who threaten their power. It will be at Philippi that Brutus faces the spirit of Caesar--and Rome, its fate.

 

A Scholar's Perspective by Michael Dobson
Michael Dobson considers Julius Caesar Shakespeare's American play.

 

A Scholar's Perspective by Martha Nussbaum
Martha Nussbaum explores Julius Caesar  through two different kinds of love.

 

An Interview with Director Jonathan Munby
Last fall director Jonathan Munby met with the staff to talk about his vision for his production of Julius Caesar

 

Playgoer's Guide 
Read a quick overview of the production and background on Julius Caesar.

 

Open Door: Audience Enrichment Programs 
CST offers pre- or post-show programs with members of the cast or scholars: Pre•Ambles, Pub Cast Calls and Talk Backs.

Recorded Pre•Ambles
Half-hour pre-show lectures are offered on selected weekend dates. Listen to a scholar give an overview of important scholarship and discuss some of the production choices.

Hear from the Cast
Post-show discussions are held after Wednesday and student matinees. Recordings are updated throughout the run of the production.  

The Cast
See who's who among the actors.

The Creative Team
See who’s who on the creative team—the director, designers and other artists who contribute to the creation of the world of the play.

Photo Gallery
Enjoy a glimpse of Chicago Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar on stage.

Inside First Rehearsal
Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Director Jonathan Munby speak about Julius Caesar.

Video
Enjoy a glimpse of Chicago Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar on stage.

Check back for updates.

 

Contact Us  |  Site Map  |  Privacy Policy  |  Photo Credits

800 East Grand Avenue • Chicago, IL • 60611 • Box Office 312.595.5600

Designed by Lynch2      Powered by eRube