It’s impossible for Shakespeare’s play, Julius Ceasar not to be topical because as long as there is a democratically elected leader anywhere in the world trying to become an unopposable one, there will also always be conspirators, however well concealed, plotting to depose and replace them; ergo, the basic plot of the play in a nutshell. https://oxinabox.co.uk/julius-caesar-is-a-stark-reminder-of-whats-at-stake-shakespeares-gripping-political-thriller-at-oxford-castle-prison-marks-bmhs-20th-anniversary/
And if you were in any doubt which of today’s ‘Caesars’ was at the back of BMH director Joe O’Connor‘s mind, then the large ‘NO KINGS’ graffiti to the rear of the stage, rams the point home that we too should be considering the actions and ambitions of President Trump while watching this open-air production of the play at Oxford Castle & Prison.
The venue’s big, open space can cause the onstage atmosphere to dissipate. Not so this evening though, as the whole cast appeared really fired up for their telling of this tale about the consequences of political violence.
The gender switches are intriguing and refreshing: some male characters are depicted as female in this production, which only serves to enhance this dynamic reading of a taut play, the minutes whizzing by and the action flashing in front of us.
The highlights were numerous: during the assassination scene, the Conspirators are in Reservoir Dogs mode in their cool sharp suits; Cate Nunn’s Cassius is both forthright and wily as she persuades the malleable Brutus (Ed Blagrove) to join her in the slaying of Caesar, and their mutual falling out and making up is extremely intense.
Actor Guy Grimsley’s interpretation of Mark Anthony speech (‘Friends, Romans, Countrymen…’) is a master class on how to manipulate a baying crowd (the MAGA base?) into doing a swift 180′ – from cheering Caesar’s death to their decrying it after five heart-tugging minutes.
Alison Cook was a perfect female Caesar), reminiscent of ex-PM Theresa May, but in a good way – her portrayal summing up those ambiguous politicians who might want power for their own ends or for the good of the people – you just never know.
The mind begins to boggle at this point: what other fascinating changes could be made by gender-switching key Shakespearian characters from his other plays? How would Hamlet come across as a woman?
It’s hard to believe that this was the opening night of BMH’s production of Julius Caesar, such were the assured performances given this evening. The summer Oxford Shakespeare season is off to a flying start.
EDWARD BLISS
BMH Productions’ Julius Caesar runs at Oxford Castle Prison until July 4 as part of The Oxford Shakespeare Festival.
Book here: https://www.oxfordcastleprison.co.uk/whats-on/bmh-productions-presents-shakespeares-julius-caesar/
