“Julius Caesar” reigns in a prison yard in Merced play

A play premiering this week at Merced College gives classic Shakespeare characters what they’ve always been missing – neck tattoos.

The all-female cast of “Julius Caesar” play the Romans set in a men’s prison. The performances from Merced Shakespearefest and Merced College premiere at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, with several shows to follow at Merced College Theater, 3600 M St.

The decision to have women play male characters was something of a nod to William Shakespeare, only in reverse, said director Traci Sprague. During the Bard’s time, all of the characters despite their gender were performed by men.

The casting is also a commentary on traditionally masculine gender roles in society, Sprague said. “The major themes of this play are power and politics,” she said. “They should be just as important to women.”

“I feel that we get a more accurate lens on our issues when it’s women playing men,” she said.

The historical drama tells the story of a triumphant Julius Caesar returning to Rome after winning a key battle over an arch rival. Those around Caesar begin to question if he is becoming too powerful.

They are worried Caesar will do away with the more democratic government in Rome and become its emperor. Ultimately – spoiler alert – the men decide to assassinate Caesar.

The play includes the famous line, “Et tu, Brute?” uttered by Caesar after Brutus, who he believed was his friend, joins in on the murder.

In the Merced version, all of this plays out in a prison yard and a cell. The characters don beanies and tattoos as they they lift weights and play soccer.

Prison is a fitting location for the tale, Sprague said, because alliances there are so important and fickle.

The shows continue at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, and Jan. 29 and 30; and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, and 31. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for students. For more, call 209-723-3265 or go to mercedshakespearefest.org.

This story was originally published January 21, 2016 at 5:01 PM with the headline "“Julius Caesar” reigns in a prison yard in Merced play."