With every production there is a collective tone that emanates from within the group, shaping the play’s rehearsal process and ultimately its final product. When you layer in the playwright’s text and subtext the hope is that a richly layered play is delivered by the cast and crew for the audience to actively sit and experience. On behalf of the Theater Department and all those involved in making this Julius Caesar production possible, I hope this is the case.
Much is made of this play when modern interpretations lean into the politic of their day, and yes, our country’s midterm elections are two days after we close this production. But don’t lose sight that this play was first performed in 1599, not 2022, and because a similar storyline can be seen in some of the political coops of the 20th and 21st century, it should help you understand that there are lessons to be learned from the past. The question is not “What are our political views?”, but “What do we stand for? What can we learn from the past so as to make this a kinder, fairer democracy?” Now, you may choose to just sit back and enjoy the play too! In that case you will hopefully find a play that tackles the question of “How far will we go to satisfy our greed, self-interests, and our quest for power?”
Both approaches to experiencing theater are valid and useful, not everything needs to be intensely discussed and debated; heck, that’s why we have musicals (only kidding)! We are an academic institution though, and we should promote looking, researching, discovering, reflecting, questioning, and drawing personal conclusions. This was my goal with our production of Julius Caesar. My hope is that this collection of young women and men discover something about themselves, about what is important to them, and to what extent --- or limits/limitations --- they will go when the issue is important to them.
Our take on one of Shakespeare’s classics also flips the casting. During much of Shakespeare’s time men played all the roles, here you will notice that most of the cast are women rather than men. The story will still hold the same intent and power but will have a different set of sensibilities due to the gender switch. The brutality and violence through the actions of women are received much differently than when men commit these same acts. It will affect your experience. Hopefully you will reflect. Hopefully you will be moved.
Enjoy the show and we look forward to seeing you at upcoming events in the Wentz Theater.
Mr. Joseph D’Aquino
Program Director
NHHS Theater Department
