The Eastern Washington University theater program effortlessly blended fine art with current politics during their production of “Julius Caesar”.
“Julius Caesar” is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare that was first performed in 1599, but director of the EWU theater production Jeffery Sanders believes that the issues it portrays are much more modern than one might initially believe.
“The setting in Rome is similar to the US in that it’s a democracy,” Sanders said. “There is fear that Caesar will become too powerful. The worst thing that could happen is they become king… or queen.”
Unlike most productions of Julius Caesar, in this production Sanders decided the character of Julius Caesar should be played by a woman.
“Sara Goff is an extraordinary actress, and this is an extraordinary role,” Sanders said. “Since 2016 there has been so much misogyny in the world, and it’s stained me. I wanted to make Caesar a woman to show the audience what would happen. I’m really excited for people to see it.”
Sanders believes misogyny is only the tip of the iceberg on current issues this production captures. “There’s an element of ‘kill what you love,’ and with families being torn apart by politics right now, I think this will really resonate with people,” Sanders said.
Although the story is incredibly relevant to the current political climate, the performances from the cast take the production to the next level.
“There is so much wonderful student work,” Sanders said. “Some of them have been scaffolding these skills for years, and I’m just delighted with everyone’s work.
The show runs a little over two hours including a 15 minute intermission, and will have three more shows on the Eastern Washington University theater stage on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 5 p.m., as well as Friday, Nov. 17 and Saturday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase here.
If Shakespeare isn’t your jam but you’re itching to get on stage, Sanders encourages the community to attend the upcoming auditions for their winter musical, “The Prom”.
“Anyone can audition, and you don’t have to be a student. It’s open to the community,” Sanders said. “We have a guest director coming for it, and we’re really excited.”
Auditions will be held on Dec. 2, and potential performers need to email Jeff Sanders at [email protected] to secure their 5 minute spot.
“We are asking for a 1 minute song,” Sanders said. “Please bring sheet music. We have an amazing pianist that will accompany you.”
The casting call for “The Prom” posted by the EWU theater department can be found on their instagram page.
