Review: Julius Caesar by Bell Shakespeare, Fairfax Studio

Julius Caesar, Bell Shakespeare. Credit Prudence Upton.

The story of Julius Caesar is one of political transition. In written history, as in Shakespeare’s play, the assassination of Caesar is carried out in an attempt to resolve pending upheaval to the republic, but his removal nonetheless creates the very disruption his murderers attempt to stall. 

It is a story that, you would think, carries obvious connections to contemporary politics steeped as it is in the failings and arrogances of political power and leadership, and the onset of civil war. Politics, power, manipulation – the appeal of one leader to the public – come together to define Shakespeare’s retelling. So it is unfortunate that Bell Shakespeare’s latest production of Julius Caesar fell flat. 

It is important to point out that we are not meant to like Caesar. He is uninteresting, self-aggrandising, and his action is brief. And so in that respect, Julius Caesar, played by Kenneth Ransom, worked. It is the setting of Caesar’s rise to power and the consequences from his murder that create intrigue and bring much of the action to the hands and minds of Cassius (Nick Simpson-Deeks) and Brutus (Ivan Donato). Likewise, it is the great political speeches that drive the work – for which it has become known – and while these moments should be enough to make for compelling theatre, not even Mark Antony’s (Sara Zwangobani) famous ‘friends, romans, countrymen’ could turn things around for Act 2. 

Julius Caesar, BellShakespeare. Credit Prudence Upton.

The most successful part of Bell Shakespeare’s production was the non-traditional casting, both colour and gender-blind, and thankfully never making a big deal of it. This was a smart choice in casting, with Ghenoa Gela’s energetic performance as Casca providing some relief.

The simplicity of set design, a single rig on wheels, was easily manipulated between scenes and provided a useful podium for political speeches. But it also became distracting at times as actors struggled to attach props or watched them fall helplessly to the floor below, right when they were needed most. Neither sound or costume design stood out for the right reasons, with the score reminiscent of a video game, swelling at obvious moments of suspense and battle.

There are moments where the production almost comes together, but overall a disconnect between actors and perhaps poor direction make this one missable.

Rating: 1 ½ stars ★☆

Julius Caesar
Bell Shakespeare

CREATIVE TEAM
By William Shakespeare
Director James Evans
Designer Anna Tregloan
Lighting Designer Verity Hampson
Composer & Sound Designer Nate Edmondson
Movement & Fight Director Scott Witt
Voice Coach Jess Chambers
Assistant Director Nasim Khosravi

WITH
Kenneth Ransom
Jemwel Danao
Ivan Donato
Maryanne Fonceca
Ghenoa Gela
Neveen Hanna
Emily Havea
Nick Simpson-Deeks
Russell Smith
Sara Zwangobani