JULIUS CAESAR Opens At The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum's Ampitheater 6/6

Friendship turns to betrayal, murder, and ultimately war in Julius Caesar, opening at The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum's outdoor amphitheater on Saturday, June 6.

William Shakespeare's gripping political thriller about one of the most notorious political assassinations in history examines the delicate balance between liberty and government order. Fearing that Julius Caesar's growing strength and constitutional ambitions threaten the Roman Republic, a faction of politicians - self-styled guardians of the Republic led by Brutus and Cassius - plots his murder. But when the powerful Caesar is killed, chaos and civil war engulf Rome.

"There are no simple heroes or villains in this story," comments Theatricum artistic director Ellen Geer, who directs the production. "Were the conspirators motivated by honor and patriotism, or by envy and ambition? The Bard leaves it to us to decide. What is clear is that the citizens of Rome were the victims. They were manipulated by a few men at the top, prevailed upon to back a heinous deed. The conspiracy was designed by a few perpetrators to protect the body-politic of Rome, but instead, it led to Rome's disintegration."

Shakespeare was just 36 when Julius Caesar debuted at The Globe in 1599. It was The Globe's first production, and Shakespeare, whose career was blossoming, was part owner of the theater. At the time, England was deeply concerned about succession and civil strife; Queen Elizabeth had been unsuccessful at providing an heir, and her subjects knew that a violent civil war could follow if succession to the throne was not determined by the time of her death. Against this backdrop, Shakespeare presented Caesar.

The cast of Julius Caesar features Carl Palmer in the title role; Mike Peebler as Marcus Brutus; Melora Marshall as Caius Cassius; Alan Blumenfeld as Casca; and Aaron Hendry as Mark Antony. Susan Angelo plays Portia, while Abby Craden and D.J. Harner alternate in the role of Calpurnia.

In conjunction with the run of Julius Caesar, Theatricum will offer a pre-show "Prologue" discussion prior to one performance as well as a more in-depth "Roundtable" discussion, at which playgoers will have a chance to explore the language and complex themes of Julius Caesar intimately with Ellen Geer and members of the cast, on a Sunday afternoon. Both events are free. See listing information below for schedule.

The beginnings of the Theatricum Botanicum can be traced to the early 1950s when Will Geer, a victim of the McCarthy-era blacklist (before he became known as the beloved Grandpa on TV's The Waltons), opened a theater for blacklisted actors and folk singers on his property in Topanga. Since 1973, the Theatricum has presented Shakespeare and the classics in repertory in its scenic, outdoor amphitheater in rustic Topanga Canyon. The Theatricum Botanicum is a recipient of the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle's highest honor, the prestigious Margaret Harford Award for "Sustained Excellence in Theater," and Artistic Director Ellen Geer was presented with the LA Weekly Career Achievement Award in 1999.

Unlike most theaters in the Los Angeles area that stage continuous runs of a single play, the Theatricum performs the five plays on a rotating basis. By the end of the summer, when all five plays are up and running, it is possible to see a performance of each in a single weekend.

Julius Caesar runs in repertory throughout the summer months with four other classic plays: Shakespeare's complex romantic tale, Cymbeline (May 31 through September 27); a freely adapted update of The Cherry Orchard which resets Chekhov's poignant comedy in Virginia just after the Civil Rights movement (June 27 through September 26); Theatricum's signature production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream (eight performances only, July 4 through September 7); and Moliere's serio-comic tale about a man whose love for his money is greater than his love for his children, The Miser (July 25 through September 27).

In addition to the five plays in the Summer Repertory Season, Theatricum Botanicum offers a selection of dance and music performances, including the Topanga Philharmonic Orchestra 30th Anniversary Concert on Saturday, May 16 at 2 pm; and traditional Celtic music with Old Blind Dogs (direct from Scotland) on Sunday, June 21 at 7:30 pm.

The Family Fundays series offers interactive theater and music for kids every Sunday and on three Saturday mornings, June 8 through November 2.

Botanicum Seedlings: A Development Series for Playwrights, furthers new works and voices in theater, presenting free readings of new plays on Sundays at 11 am on June 7, 14 and 21, and at 1 pm on November 15 and 22.

Performances of Julius Caesar take place on Saturdays at 8pm on June 6, 13 and 20; Saturdays at 4 pm on June 27, August 29, and on September 12, 19 and 26; and Sundays at 7:30 pm on July 5, 12, 19, 26; August 2, 9, 16, 23; and September 6. Tickets are $30.00 (lower tier) and $20.00 (upper tier); seniors, students, Iraq War Veterans and members of Equity pay only $20.00 and $15.00; children ages 5-12 are $10.00; children under 5 are free. Audiences at the Saturday, August 29 performance are invited to participate in a pre-show "Prologue" discussion beginning at 3:00 pm. A free "Roundtable" discussion for Julius Caesar takes place on Sunday, June 14 from 2 pm - 3:15 pm.

The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is located at 1419 North Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Topanga, midway between Malibu and the San Fernando Valley. For tickets and information, call (310) 455-3723 or visit online at www.theatricum.com.

 

 

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