Jim Burke’s review of Julius Caesar begins by highlighting the play’s post-apocalyptic conceptual direction and detailed setting, and continues into an analysis of the production that spans its performers, technical execution, and pacing.
Burke notes that “there’s no overt manning-up”, that the cast present Julius Caesar‘s characters in themselves, staging personas and dramatic conflict rather than dwelling on the performance of gender. In light of the actors’ ability to access the “essence of the characters” Burke roundly praises the performances of multiple members of the dozen-strong ensemble cast, both in their delivery of Julius Caesar‘s weighty oration and their portrayals of both character and sentiment through powerful physical presence.
Amanda Kellock’s direction is also lauded in Burke’s review, particularly in the execution of the Julius Caesar‘s action-heavy second half, which avoids the typical “[descent] into scrappy skirmishes”, and instead offers a compelling, fast-paced counterpoint to the play’s earlier “speechifying”.
The Gazette‘s online posting of the review (originally published Friday, July 22nd) includes a couple of embedded video-clips: the play’s opening scene (filmed by Dario Ayala), as well as Repercussion’s preview trailer for the play.
(From left to right) D. Aziz as Marcus Brutus; G. Jain as Mark Antony; and L. Parker as Julius Caesar
The full review, with accompanying video elements, can be accessed here.