School of Fine & Performing Arts

NYC Aquila Theatre Company to perform Julius Caesar


Richard Termine

NEW PALTZ —
Political intrigue, strained domestic relationships, conspiracy and tyrannical ambition will fill the McKenna Theatre stage at SUNY New Paltz during a special production of Julius Caesar performed by the Aquila Theatre Company on Saturday, October 27 at 8 p.m – one night only!

This special production of Julius Caesar will follow the epic story of the rise and fall of one of the world’s most notorious leaders and explore the moral and political dilemma of Marcus Brutus. Should Brutus join the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar, conquering hero and his trusted friend? Or, should he allow one man’s tyrannical ambition to overcome the very ideals that Rome was founded upon? The audience is asked to consider the price of democracy and freedom and the consequences that can befall a society when it is asked to defend its core beliefs.

Julius Caesar is staged using the Aquila’s renowned company aesthetic – excellent acting, crystalline verse-speaking, original music and innovative conceptualization and design. The company will bring one of Shakespeare’s most relevant and timely works to vibrant life in a production that is visceral, challenging and, above all, entertaining.

The Aquila Theatre Company is comprised of British and American artists dedicated to classical drama. The company was founded in London in 1991 by Peter Meineck, producing artistic director for Julius Caesar.

Ticket prices are $40 for special reserved seats and post-show reception, $20 general reserved seats. Tickets can be purchased by phone by calling 845-257-3880, Monday – Friday 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., on-line at www.newpaltz.edu/artsnews (click on premiere event), or in person at the Box Office located in Parker Theatre on the campus of SUNY New Paltz. For additional information about this performance and other arts events call (845) 257-3872.

Julius Caesar is being presented as part of the Shakespeare in American Communities, a national theatre initiative sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts in cooperation with Arts Midwest. Shakespeare in American Communities is the largest tour of Shakespeare in American history. The tour is bringing professional theatre productions of Shakespeare and related educational activities to Americans throughout the country, visiting small and mid-size communities in all 50 states. In addition to performances, activities include artistic and technical workshops, symposia about the productions, and educational programs in local schools.