DaPoPo Theatre: Julius Caesar

Politics and power have always made for enthralling drama, and we are reminded of this in DaPoPo’s contemporary take on Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. While the text is untouched, the play is brought into the 21st century with guns, camo, and business suits, and with the casting of women in some pivotal, traditionally male roles. Keelin Jack is particularly noteworthy as Caesar’s loyal follower Marc Anthony. She brings passion and intensity to the role, as does Eric Benson as the lean, mean Cassius. Both are perfect foils for the chilly and cerebral Brutus (Kim Parkhill). The staging is creative and effective, with the audience perching on the edge of the Roman Agora and the fringes of the battlefield. While the play is long and the seats a tad uncomfortable, this production is exciting and fresh enough to make any discomfort worth while. –Kate Watson