A contemporary reimagining of Shakespeare’s political thriller Julius Caesar, CAESAR makes its world premiere at La Boite’s Roundhouse Theatre from 23 July 2021.
Adapted by five fierce, female-identifying and non-binary playwrights, Claire Christian, Jean Tong, Megan Wilding, Merlynn Tong and Zoey Dawson, this provocative take on Shakespeare’s traditionally masculine work will storm the Roundhouse Theatre.
This hilarious adaptation follows a self-absorbed politician and the men conspiring against him with a gender-diverse cast of Queensland actors, including Chenoa Deemal, Billy Fogarty, Bryan Probets, Will Carseldine and Giema Contini.
CEO and Executive Director Zohar Spatz said CAESAR will continue La Boite’s mission to provoke dialogue and expand the realm of theatrical works.
“La Boite exists to push the boundaries of theatre and its form by collaborating with extraordinary people who enrich and diversify the narratives, practices and voices on Australia’s main stages, and this cutting-edge iteration of CAESAR is exactly that,” said Ms Spatz.
Director Sanja Simic said this unique adaption is the first of its kind to have five writers collaborate on a new iteration of Shakespeare’s tragedy.
“This is the first mainstage production in La Boite’s history to enlist five playwrights to respond to a classic text, and while there might be a singular directorial vision, the work itself will be a tapestry of voices, which we hope will deliver a rich, sharp and playful text,” said Ms Simic.
“I want audiences to be entertained and challenged in equal measure – walking out of the theatre and having an active conversation about what they’ve seen, regardless of whether they loved or hated it, is step one.”
La Boite Artist Company actor and cast member Giema Contini is excited to bring more stories that represent voices that are historically overlooked or unheard to Australian stages.
“It’s incredibly special to bring this masculine narrative to life through the voices of female and non-binary playwrights, who are not often represented across professional stages,” said Ms Contini.
“This is going to be a powerful work with many twists and turns for audiences, and I’m humbled to be part of such a brilliant group of artists.”
In the first mainstage show of their professional career, Artist Company actor and cast member Billy Fogarty is thrilled to join CAESAR. “I’m so fortunate and privileged to be joining La Boite’s creative team so early in my career,” they said.
“I want to tell stories that matter, and I think audiences will be surprised about the passion, intelligence and humour that comes from this fresh take.”
Director: Sanja Simic | Featuring: Will Carseldine, Giema Contini, Chenoa Deemal, Billy Fogarty, Bryan Probets | Set & Costume Designer: Chloe Greaves | Lighting Designer: Christine Felmingham | Sound Designer & Composer: Anna Whitaker | Video Designer: Justin Harrison | Fight & Intimacy Director: Nigel Poulton | Assistant Creative: Jess Bunz | Stage Manager: Kat O’Halloran | Assistant Stage Manager: Sophie Watkins | Writers: Claire Christian, Jean Tong, Megan Wilding, Merlynn Tong, Zoey Dawson
CAESAR
Roundhouse Theatre, 6-8 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove (Brisbane)
Season: 24 July – 7 August 2021 (preview: 23 July)
Information and Bookings: www.laboite.com.au
Image: Caesar – photo by Morgan Roberts