JULIUS CAESAR to Open at The Flea with Ensemble Shakespeare Company
Dylan Diehl directs William Shakespeare's classic at The Flea Theater in NYC's Tribeca neighborhood.
Ensemble Shakespeare Company will present Julius Caesar, a cautionary tragedy uniquely placed in modern antiquity, where the problems, potentials, and personalities of the 21st century AD and 1st century BC conflate and converse, examining what happens when political ambition collides with moral conviction and civil discourse gives way to violence.
Twelve performances will be staged July 9-26, 2026 at The Flea Theater, 20 Thomas Street in Tribeca. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Opening night is Friday, July 10 at 7:00 p.m.
ESC Executive Director Dylan Diehl* directs an ensemble cast of fifteen, including Guest Artists Mark Dacascos (John Wick 3, Iron Chef) and Pedro Garza* (Cabaret) with ESC Company Members Dylan Diehl*, Rob Hatzenbeller*, Susannah Hoffman*, Dennis Kear*, Gerrard Lobo, Paul Marchegiani, Diego Millan, Celeste Moratti, Ella Olesen*, Katie Pelensky,* Matisse Ratron-Neal, Erin Roth*, and Joe Staton.
Shakespeare's Julius Caesar tells the story of a murder that changed the course of western civilization. Far more, however, than dramatizing a bloody assassination, the play invites us into the hearts and minds of the humans whose words, actions, and ambitions transformed their society and indeed our world. The play never decides who is right but invites the audience to engage with its debates on democracy, leadership, morality, and honor.
“This Caesar works to erase any distance between the audience and the story, inviting everyone into a thrilling and perilous forum of ideas without impediment or preconceived notion. ESC serves the play's full immediacy and ferocity, allowing Shakespeare's debate over power, principle, violence, and civic responsibility to unfold in all its complexity, so the audience becomes an essential co-conspirator in the storytelling,” said Diehl. “Our full-text production preserves the breadth of voices, arguments, and perspectives in the play, giving the story particular urgency at a moment when questions of civil unrest, leadership, and the fragility of democracy feel especially close to home.”
ESC's ensemble-based approach to creating theater is rooted in the belief that Shakespeare is for all, creating dynamic and intimate productions that invite audiences into the story as active participants.
The runtime is approximately two hours and thirty minutes, plus one 15-minute intermission.
General Admission Tickets are $45.00 (+ $2.50 booking fee). Shakespeare for All Tickets are $25.00 (+ $1.75 booking fee). Student Tickets are $15.00 (+ $1.50 booking fee).
For tickets, visit: EnsembleShakespeareCompany.com
Direct ticketing link:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ensembleshakespearecompany/2218191
Lighting Designer: Annie Garrett-Larsen; Set Designer: Joshua Warner; Costume Designer: Micaela Hecht; Fight Director: Jacqueline Holloway; Associate Fight Director: Melanie Liebetrau; ESC Production Manager, Julius Caesar Stage Manager: Sophia Alaniz.
About Ensemble Shakespeare Company (ESC)
Elevating the teaching of master voice coach and Shakespeare authority Patsy Rodenburg OBE, Ensemble Shakespeare Company (ESC) believes Shakespeare is for all. Through our intensive and innovative workshop process, we explore Shakespeare's heightened language in the present moment, connecting viscerally with audiences who become essential co-conspirators in our storytelling. Our bold ensemble approach and surprising casting choices shatter preconceived notions, inviting everyone to meet Shakespeare anew in all its complexity and brilliance. We believe anyone can connect to Shakespeare when the plays are explored with clarity, craft, and connection. ESC's ensemble includes the audience in a shared responsibility for fathoming these challenging texts, creating the immediacy and intimacy only experienced in theatre. Through this communal and inclusive storytelling, we hold the mirror up to nature, reflecting our shared humanity and delivering theatre that moves, challenges, heals, and changes us. ESC also holds monthly classes, "Friday Workouts," providing a space for actors to develop and refresh foundations in voice, speech, and presence through Rodenburg work, and “Speak the Speech,” where participants navigate the heightened language and rhetorical demands of an entire Shakespeare monologue.
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