Written by Thomas Gemmell, adapted from Shakespeare
World Premiere September 1999
PRESIDENT ASSASSINATED
NATION MOURNS
World Premiere
In September 1999, TheatreFusion presented this new multimedia adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic play.
Set during a modern-day presidential re-election campaign, the production used images and sound to create a world where spin-doctors and media manipulation are at the heart of the political intrigue, and where a high-powered rifle is much more effective than a knife in the back.
BACKGROUND
CAESAR premiered on 23rd September 1999, 400 years after Shakespeare’s Tragedy of Julius Caesar was first performed.
Caesar updated the play to a modern American setting, and included scenes on film, alongside traditional US marching music and rock music.
OTHER PRODUCTIONS OF CAESAR
TheatreFusion’s adaptation of CAESAR was presented by Bathgate Repertory Theatre in 2012.
Students at Bannerman High School, Glasgow, presented the play in 2011.
Acting students at the Glasgow College of Nautical Studies in March 2008 and March 2005 . Review of GCNS 2008 production: click here.
This adaptation received it’s US Premiere in New Jersey in October 2004. Visit: www.d-e.org. The director of the US production comments “a big hit all round … a great high school production in print … a great adaptation”
VENUE
- The Cottier Theatre, Glasgow, 22nd September – 1st October @8pm
CREDITS
Adaptation and Direction Thomas Gemmell | Lighting Alan Dempster | Photography Henrriikka Clarkeburn | Programme Thomas Gemmell | Poster/Artwork Irwin Stuart Design
Decius Alan Bryant | Artemidorus Deborah Cannon-Carmichael | Brutus Charles Donnelly | Lucilius Bruce Downie | Calpurnia Abigail Gemmell | Cinna John Gilmour | Metellus Marc MacGregor | Cassius Karen MacLeod | Caesar Shaun McLaren | Portia Georgette Ratcliffe | Mark Antony Richard Wright
REVIEWS
The Herald : Thomas Gemmell’s adaptation is bold and ambitious… dropping text in favour of sound and video montage compliments an adaptation which sees media manipulation and spin-doctoring at the heart of the murderous political intrigue… Shaun McLaren’s Caesar is suitably Clintonesque – decent, though flawed… A production full of clever ideas…
Audience :
A bold, brave, innovative production…
The scenes on video worked nicely, conveying important off-stage scenarios and added to the JFK style atmosphere…
As a teacher, I feel Shakespeare is great… liked the modernisation of it…
Brought out the political intrigue really clearly to me for the first time…
OTHER INFORMATION
If you are interesting in obtaining a copy of the script for your company or school, or wish to perform your own production of this adaptation, simply email theatrefusion@hotmail.com.
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