Orlando Shakespeare Theater to Stage JULIUS CAESAR, 3/19-4/20

When men feel they can no longer trust their leader, where is the line between patriotism and personal ambition? Caesar, the most popular general in Rome, is assassinated, leaving two men - the honorable Brutus and the ambitious Cassius - to divide the spoils. But they've acted without Mark Antony, Caesar's devoted follower and determined successor, and soon the world they have fought to preserve is brought to the brink of anarchy. Julius Caesar is a dazzling masterpiece of betrayal, violence, and perhaps most surprisingly - love.

"Shakespeare's tale of politics, friendship, blood, and war will surround, involve, and energize the audience in our intimate Goldman Theater," said Artistic Director Jim Helsinger. "Audiences will feel like they're right on top of the action!"

Director Tina Packer is considered to be one of the world's foremost leading experts on Shakespeare. She has directed over 50 Shakespeare productions, as well as contemporary works, for Shakespeare & Company. She has acted opposite the likes of John Barton, Peter Hall, John Schlesinger, Sir Ian McKellen, Paul Scofield, Janet Suzman, and Ian Richardson. Over the years, Packer has received countless awards, honors, and fellowships including: the Ronson Award; Guggenheim and Bunting Fellowships; and the 1999-2000 Arts Recipient of the Commonwealth Award. She has authored two books Power Plays: Shakespeare's Lessons in Leadership and Management and Tales From Shakespeare, and is the subject of the WGBH documentary Sex, Violence and Poetry: A Portrait of Tina Packer, and Helen Epstein's biography The Companies She Keeps.

"I saw Tina's Women of Will Off-Broadway in New York this past summer---It was smashing! I can't wait to bring that kind of excitement and her expertise to Orlando," said Helsinger.

The Orlando Shakes creative team includes Fight Director Bill Warriner, Assistant Director Thomas Ouellette, Movement Coach Kristin Wold, Set Designer Ryan McGettigan, Lighting Designer Eric Haugen, Costume Designer Kristina Tollefson, and Sound Designer Britt Sandusky.

Photo by Landon St. Gordon