‘Liberty, freedom, tyranny is dead!’
Ancient Rome is brought to the stage at Bluecoat Beechdale Academy as a group of female ‘prisoners’ present a 90-minute version of Julius Caesar. By acting out this story of leadership, control and corruption, their own fights for freedom and justice, and the power politics of prison life, come into harsh focus.
Shakespeare’s politically-charged play tracks the rise and decline of Caesar’s popularity as the leader of Rome. A group of senators secretly recruit the ‘noble’ Brutus (played by Harriet Walter) to join an over-throw of Caesar. They murder him to prevent him becoming king, but their violent act leads to chaos.
This First Encounters with Shakespeare tour is a co-production with KPPL Productions, originally produced by the Donmar Warehouse and plays at Bluecoat Beechdale Academy to the public on Monday 12th and Thursday 15th October at 6pm.
With seats surrounding the stage, you can get close to the action and then join us on the 15th October to share your opinions on how the themes of the play speak to you and your community, with a discussion straight after the show.
The tour of First Encounters: Julius Caesar is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, which makes it possible for the RSC to expand its tour to work in partnership with more places across England.
