CAST: Julius Caesar

Pealer Recital Hall, PAC

CAST Will Perform “Julius Caesar” at Frostburg State University

The Department of English at Frostburg University will present the Cambridge University American State Tour (CAST) in a performance of William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” on Monday, Sept. 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the Pealer Recital Hall of FSU’s Woodward D. Pealer Performing Arts Center. The event is free and open to the public.

In this production the director, Imogen Gray, aims to strip the play back to its essence, focusing on drawing out the rich complexities of the characters in a compelling world and offering audiences an insight into a reality that feels close to our own and resonant, while also providing an alternate reality in which to escape. Inspired by Nicholas Hytner’s production at the Bridge Theatre, Gray aims to harness the play’s potent themes within the context of contemporary society. This production demands the audience engage in the play’s dialogue about leadership, democracy and the consequences of political machinations. This directorial vision, coupled with an incredibly talented cast, promises a thrilling and engaging night of theatre.

CAST was founded in 1999, with the aim of producing an annual Shakespearian tour of the East Coast of the U.S. Currently under the patronage of Dame Judi Dench, it consists of a small group of Cambridge’s most talented actors and technicians.

CAST also provides the opportunity for American students and young people to participate in workshops as a way of introducing them to Shakespeare and/or building on the knowledge they already have.

Alumni of CAST have gone on to be leading figures within their field. These include actors, directors, writers, designers and many, many more. James Seabright, who is now a leading UK independent theatre producer, was the first tour manager. Directors from 2014, Emily Burn and Atri Banerjee, are already National Theatre directors.

The tour began officially, under the title of CAST, with “Hamlet,” and the group has since performed plays from all three genres, including “Romeo and Juliet” (twice), “Twelfth Night,” “Henry V,” “Antony and Cleopatra” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” This year CAST will be bringing “Julius Caesar,” which is a CAST first, to the stage.

For more information, contact Dr. Rochelle Smith at rsmith2@frostburg.edu.

This event is brought to you by FSU’s Department of English, and it is sponsored by the FSU Foundation with funds from the Martha T. and Ralph M. Race Western History Lecture Fund.

Theater