Julius Caesar: art still imitates life

 Set in 44 BC and written in 1599 AD by William Shakespeare it is funny to think how almost four hundred years later this stage play could almost be describing Australia’s current political atmosphere. It is quite sad how politician’s behaviour has not changed or evolved in all this time. 

 Set in 44 BC and written in 1599 AD by William Shakespeare it is funny to think how almost four hundred years later this stage play could almost be describing Australia’s current political atmosphere. It is quite sad how politician’s behaviour has not changed or evolved in all this time. The latest creation for Bell Shakespeare is Julius Caesar and with the current political situation in Australia it couldn’t be more relevant and moving. Given all the political backstabbing, leaks of information and the continual threat for a change of leadership how could the comparisons not be drawn with this theatrical classic? 
Performing in one of the Bard’s greatest works is not at opportunity that comes around too often, especially not the chance to tour with the production and work alongside director Peter Evans. Actor Katie-Jean Harding jumped at the opportunity to work with Bell Shakespeare whose vision is to “create theatre that allows audiences of all walks of life to see themselves reflected and transformed through the prism of great writing”.
“Working for Bell Shakespeare is amazing as they are a beautiful and supportive company and the chance to work with Peter Evans again was a great opportunity” says Katie-Jean.
Peter Evans is Bell Shakespeare’s new Associate Artistic Director and has taken Shakespeare’s classic and transported it to a modern day context. 
Evans says “I find this story constantly relevant. We witness the original pre-emotive strike and the irony of the honourable assassination with all the carnage that a power vacuum creates. Julius Caesar is a play that is never out of date, in fact feels today relentlessly modern”
Julius Caesar has recently finished touring to Canberra and Melbourne with rave reviews and is set to open this week at the Sydney Opera House. (See AussieTheatre.com’s review of the Melbourne season here)
“Bell Shakespeare continually produce high quality productions and it is great to see the support from not only the big cities but the small rural towns that are starved for such creative works” continues Katie-Jean.
The cast include the talents of Alex Menglet as Julius Caesar, Daniel Frederiksen as Mark Antony, Colin Moody as Marcus Brutus, Kate Mulvany as Caius Cassius and Katie-Jean Harding as Portia.
“Playing Portia is an amazing role and a great opportunity and it is a bonus to get to work with such an talented cast” Katie-Jean told AussieTheatre.com.
Julius Caesar is running for a very limited time from the 25th October until 26th November 2011 and ticket are available through the Sydney Opera House Box Office on 9250 7777.