September 18-21, 25-28 — No Exit presents an Election Year version of “Julius Caesar”
The theme for this intriguing production of Julius Caesar: “Want Change?, So Did They.” Performed in a cemetary, in an election year … this should be good.
When: September 18-21; September 25-28, 7:00 PM
Where: Crown Hill Cemetary 700 W. 38th Street Indianapolis, IN 46208
Ticket Price: $15.00/$10.00 student concession
Director: Alyson Mull and Michael Bachman
Description: Want Change?, So Did They. In an election year, we “plebians” make choices based on promises that await fulfillment. As percentages grow showing a distaste for the current administration, we are asked, “What are you willing to do for change?” This deconstruction of Shakespeare’s classic highlights the movements of those who were challenged with what we, as Americans, are now.
Performances are at 7pm and OUTDOORS. Limited Seating Available or Bring a Blanket for the Grass. Bring a Picnic to Enjoy with the Show.
Why does Provocate think you should attend this event?
Provocate asked co-director Mike Bachman a few questions about the production. Mike provides an exceptionally thoughtful and thought-provoking explanation:
This deconstruction focuses on Cassius and his ability to manipulate with words. “Words, words, words” Hamlet says. With mere words Cassius changes minds and moves intelligent men to act in violent ways. This is so interesting to Alyson and myself because in the year of campaigns, that’s all we listen to is words and we ask the intelligent and the
layperson to make a choice based on words and history. Caesar was killed for just this, words and history. Our story traces the movements of Cassius from senator to senator, Brutus to Caska, etc. I feel one of the most compelling parts of the deconstructed script is the political figure, Caesar, is a silent character. We have cut all Caesar’s lines. I believe the everyday American will actually need to question their own limitations after seeing this piece. We present a piece that may seemed awfully biased in the beginning, but we don’t stop there. We continue to show the ramifications of the decisions these men and women have made. It’s not just who you vote for, but what effect does that have your future personally. I want each person to walk away questioning, to question the words of each party, to question there own ability to change, to question the ramifications of choice. Brutus is a man who considers every angle before making a decision, yet even he was taken in by words and, in the end, made a fatal choice.
As for reading material… I mean the play would be a good start. To read Julius Caesar as a political piece opens the play up in so many ways. It’s not just reading it that is important, but reading it with a purpose. Also, my reading has been focused on the life and actions of Vsevolod Meyerhold. A theatre practitioner in the time of Stanislavki, Meyerhold created a political theatre using plays of the past, reducing the amount of text and creating movements and images with the body that tell the intentions of the character; as opposed to furthering the plot. It also doesn’t hurt that he was tortured and killed as a political prisoner due to his work.
And for your listening pleasure …
