After a successful fall musical, the Warren Central Theater Department is headed straight into working on their winter play, “Julius Caesar.”
This Shakespearean tragedy portrays the homecoming of a successful general named Julius Caesar who is targeted for murder by Caius Cassius, with support from the well-respected Marcus Brutus for “the good of the Republic.” Although a political thriller, “Julius Caesar” cast members promise an amazing show.
“I think that the Winter play will be one of the more complex shows we have done at Warren, with a lot of intricate relationships,” senior Kylee Brewster said. “Shakespeare wrote each individual character for a specific purpose and that really is going to shine through in our show.”
Warren’s theater department plans to add a more modern feel to the play, which was originally debuted in the 1500’s. To do this, the show’s set, props and costumes are being specifically designed to fit Warren’s version of the tragedy.
“Although this play is about Julius Caesar, it will be given a modern feel instead of ancient,” junior Logan Burgess said. “The sets and costumes won't quite look historical.”
In preparation for the Winter play, cast members are participating in daily rehearsals in which they read through the script and learn their blocking. An important component of these rehearsals is working on understanding the Shakespearean language in order to comprehend what is being said at all times.
“Apart from rehearsing, I've been researching my character, because Brutus was a real person,” Brewster said. “I think if I understand him and his story, I'll do the part more justice.”
The “Julius Caesar” cast and directors agree that this is a show Warren students should not miss. The show promises not only plenty of action and drama, but also a new life to an old play.
“Students should come see the play, not only because it will be educational in both history and literature, but also because it will also be very engaging,” Burgess said. “Even though Shakespeare has a reputation of being boring, the actors know how to make it entertaining with all the fantastic energy they have.”
“Julius Caesar” will premiere in the Warren Central auditorium on Feb. 7, with two more shows on Feb. 8 and 9, all at 7 p.m. Tickets will be available for $10.