*Julius Caesar*

by William Shakespeare
directed by Dr. Geoffrey Tullett

JULIUS CAESAR is the story of a man's personal dilemma over moral action, set against a backdrop of strained political drama. Brutus, a respected and influential Roman citizen, is approached by Cassius to join the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar. After a series of victories, Julius Caesar, returns to Italy, his popularity greater than ever. Brutus, one of Caesar's closest friends, is torn with indecision. He loves Caesar and knows he is a good leader, but fears, as the others do, that ambition will drive Caesar to tyranny. Convinced that to kill his friend is essential to the liberty of Rome, Brutus agrees to join the conspiracy. Ignoring warnings about attending the Senate meeting, Caesar is assassinated by conspirators. His final words are uttered in disbelief, "Et tu, Brute?" At Caesar's funeral, Brutus addresses the crowd in an attempt to justify the crime; however, he makes a fatal mistake by allowing Mark Antony, Caesar's most faithful follower, to speak also. Antony's speech incites the crowd; although they respect Brutus, they turn against the conspirators. The conspirators are forced to flee and build an army.In the final battle at Philippi, Antony's military forces defeat the conspirators and Cassius and Brutus each commit suicide.

Performed:

September 17 - 20, 1975
Monroe Junior High Auditorium