Political backstabbing isn't dead

Theatre

Almost 400 years after his death, William Shakespeare's work continues to remain relevant. This month, the Theatre Guild brings to stage the playwright's great political drama, Julius Caesar, albeit with a modern twist.

The play - based on events of 2000 years ago and written in the 16th century - examines the themes of politics, betrayal, conspiracy, deceit, power and danger.

Director Brant Eustice and an ensemble cast bring to life a familiar plot: a dictator (Julius Caesar) is assassinated to restore the Roman Republic and equality. Politicians use spin to defend and denounce the dead, crowds are rallied to fever pitch, anarchy erupts and a bloody civil war ensues.

Theatre Guild Chair John Edge plays the title role, ably supported by a talented local cast, including professionally trained actors Michael Allen and Bart Csorba in the roles of Brutus and Cassius respectively.

Michael Allen is a graduate from the Adelaide Centre for the Performing Arts and has an impressive list of acting credits behind him: I was a Teenage Fascist (Magpie Theatre), Madame Butterfly, The Mikado, Cosi Fan Tute (State Opera SA), Julius Caesar (Australian Opera), Oedipus Rex, Death of a Salesman (Bakehouse Theatre) and Hamlet (Allied Artists). His television work includes McLeod's Daughters, Maslin Beach and Opal Dreams.

Bart Csorba is a 2001 graduate of the Centre for Performing Arts. In the past five years he has acted in and produced several short films and is working on his first independent feature. In 2002 Bart won his first Shakespearean role, playing Macduff in Rough Magic's Macbeth production.

Both actors jumped at the chance of playing two of Shakespeare's "evil" characters.

"We get to deliver some wonderful lines which reveal Shakespeare's deep understanding of the human condition," Michael said.

"His use of language and the visual imagery of his poetry is very powerful. He also examines a lot of universal themes that were relevant 2000 years ago as well as today."

Bart says the production draws parallels with today's world that are not overpowering but still very obvious.

"The audience will recognise an urban warfare theme running through the play. Julius Caesar examines other issues which people will relate to - for example, fate versus free will, the eroding of political debate and the conflict between the public self and the private self."

Julius Caesar is being performed at the Little Theatre, near the Cloisters (off Victoria Drive) at the University of Adelaide on Saturday 5 August, 8-12 August and 15-19 August.

Tickets are $25 full/$20 concession. Tuesday performances are $15 for University students and staff.

Tickets are available from the Theatre Guild on (08) 8303 5999 or online at www.adelaide.edu.au/theatreguild

Story by Candy Gibson