Marin Shakespeare Company has opened its production of Julius Caesar, Shakespeare’s timeless story about power and corruption. It runs at the Forest Meadows Amphitheatre on the campus of Dominican University in San Rafael through Sept. 13.
As per usual with MSC and director Jon Tracy, this is a high-concept production set in an alternative-universe, post-World War II Rome where heightened tensions of the Cold War pave the way to a throne. This development sends shockwaves through the Senate, leading to one of the most infamous assassinations in history.
First of all, this production has, hands down, the best set I’ve seen all season. Designer Nina Ball outdid herself this time. Saying more about it would take away some of its impact, so all I’ll say is that if one’s a theater artist, it’s in their best interest to see this set.
The show also features some excellent performances. Johnny Moreno plays Caesar with charisma and intelligence that successfully sublimates the real threat of Caesar. Moreno’s performance is so natural that one wonders if Moreno has previous experience in the political field.
In a bit of brilliance, Tracy put frequent collaborators and real-life sisters Charisse and Bridgette Loriaux to good use by altering the relationship between Brutus (Bridgette) and Cassius (Charisse) from friends to sisters. This shift toward a familial relationship truly deepens the connection between the two conspirators and strengthens the rationale for Brutus’ decision. The Loriaux sisters play their parts beautifully.
Unfortunately, all the novelty and beauty and immense talent on display are thrown aside in the second act with a moment so bizarre that it’s hard to imagine what the thinking was behind the choice. No spoilers here, though.
A high-concept show always runs the risk that a big swing will miss. While some big swings in this production absolutely made contact, the aforementioned choice missed the mark so wildly that during the height of the violence, as the war reached its pinnacle, giggling and full-out laughter rippled through the audience.
The incredible momentum the cast spent the previous hour and a half building was lost in a flash. This misstep also minimized everything that came after, including a shocking conclusion that in itself is controversial enough that all the other big hits didn’t even need to happen.
Sometimes big risks don’t work out, but at least when they miss, they still produce something worth talking about.
Isn’t that the point of art?
‘Julius Caesar’ runs Thu–Sun through Sept. 13 at the Forest Meadows Amphitheatre at Dominican University of California, 890 Belle Ave., San Rafael. Thu-Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 5pm. $15-$49. 415.388.5208. marinshakespeare.org
