Theater Review | Love and blood abound in Julius Caesar

The minute you step foot in the School of Education’s courtyard, in front of Sproul Hall and next to Olson Hall, you find yourself no longer in a graduate student building but in Rome. Tall pillars abound, drapes flutter in the wind, and all you’re asked to do is sit on the grass and enjoy the ride.

So starts Studio 301’s production of William Shakespeare’s historical play Julius Caesar, based on the true story of the assassination of Roman dictator Julius Caesar by his best friend Brutus. Although the story is well-known to everyone who has studied basic mythology, or caught a bad made-for-television movie on the History Channel, director Michael Lutheran manages to put a fresh spin on the story that completely changes its dynamics, injecting chemistry in what could be a very political play.

Lutheran was first inspired to change the gender of the character Cassius, Brutus’ good friend and the main person who convinces him to join the conspiracy against Caesar, when he and his female friend had to read a scene of the play out loud in his sixth grade class. The realization of his dream on the stage is a phenomenal switch.

The chemistry between Cassius, played by Shayna Carp, and Brutus, played by Matt Canty, is electric. Every subtle touch Cassius places on Brutus’ arm or caress of his cheek as she struts around in a power suit and high heels is not only a lesson in seduction for women, but gives the play a romantic love story that Lutheran believed it was lacking. The change fits in perfectly when Brutus is confronted by his sick wife Portia, played wonderfully by Annie Dick, who barely contains half the power of femme fatale Cassius.

Lutheran continues this theme of female power by also switching the gender of the soothsayer, who leads the characters’ destinies throughout the play, from a man to three women. Played with chilling seriousness by Yana Zhovinsky, Gillian Heitman and Hannah Sharafian, the actresses bring the perfect amount of creepiness.

A major standout star is Alex Newhouse, who plays Caesar’s best friend Marc Antony. Both incredibly moving as he mourns the death of his best friend, and cunningly manipulative as he incites the commoners into revenge against Brutus and Cassius, Newhouse perfectly embodies the major theme of manipulation in the play.

Julius Caesar features a mix of discussions and very intense scenes of violence that leave nothing to the imagination with their utilization of fake blood. The fight scenes are well-executed and fun to watch, and, even in their play format, verge on surprisingly disturbing as violence and bloodthirst consumes the play’s characters to an extreme.

Another unique aspect of Studio 301’s production is the involvement of the audience. The up-close-and-personal seating makes you feel as if you’re one of the townspeople, and as the actors try to convince the commoners to follow their lead you start feeling as if they’re talking to you. Lutheran’s decision to have the audience move from the lawn to the pillars during intermission is a brilliant change in perspective, as you are forced to sit in the very place where a massive amount of bloodshed takes place. The switch in seating also provides a nice change as the pace of Act 1 to Act 2 changes significantly.

Clocking in at two and a half hours long, there are a few brief moments where Julius Caesar can feel a bit slow, especially in the politically-focused discussion scenes. But the high-energy action scenes, wonderful acting, and sizzling chemistry really help the production flow into something enjoyable to watch.

It is suggested that audience members dress warm and bring blankets, as the outside venue can get especially cold at night. Lawn chairs are also welcome.

Julius Caesar opens tonight at 8 p.m, doors open at 7:30. The show will continue through Saturday at the same time with a 7 p.m. show on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at the Freeborn box office, or at the door. Tickets are $6 for students and $10 for general audience members.

ANNETA KONSTANTINIDES can be reached at arts@theaggie.org.