News & Events 2005-2006 Players Present Julius Caesar in Outdoor Venue
The Blair Academy Players successfully dodged the raindrops on their opening night, with a powerful production (made all the more so by torches and the wind) of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar in the Robert J. Evans Open Air Theatre, May 11. Two other performances occurred on May 13 and 14.
Director Craig Evans notes, “Julius Caesar is a play about an event that changed western history – an event we all know from cartoons through our education, including some of the most famous lines in the theatre. However, it’s a play where one wonders how it all happens. Ironically, it’s not really the tragedy of Julius Caesar as much as it is the tragedy of Brutus, his friend who is seduced into killing him. While Shakespeare’s tragic figures all suffer for a tragic flaw, Brutus’ would seem to be his strength – his honor.”
Evans added, “Playing the doomed monarch is newcomer senior Joey Benyam, who competes with senior Jordy Liebowitz as Brutus and senior Meg Fry as Cassius. Delivering the “Friends, Romans, Countrymen” funeral oration as Marc Antony is senior Anthony D’Amato. The student director is senior Will Paris. The production is fun because it’s the first play by Shakespeare to occur in the Open Air Theatre, and we are approaching it as a modern play about a modern leader assassinated by his own Senate. The assassination leads to a bloody civil war, so Shakespeare offers us a cautionary tale about the sins of rebellion. Julius Caesar also features many seniors in their last roles at Blair, as well as some exciting newcomers eager to show their talents.” Updated 5/15/06
Click on images to view larger.
Return to 2005-2006 Table of Contents
News Headlines
