Murder Most Foul.

Quite honestly, I wasn’t familiar with the story of Julius Caesar but that didn’t made any difference. This is coming from someone whose knowledge of the play, was about the famous Roman ruler  who died in the hands of his infamous friend, and yes, that final phrase ‘Et tu Brute’. In fact my 10 year old daughter’s knowledge of the plot far eclipses mine.

Despite that, I enjoyed Shakespeare in the Park: Julius Caesar thoroughly! Here are 5 reasons we think you should catch it. Missing it would be akin to ‘murder most foul.’

1. The Acting

Granted that the plot of the play involves murder, I was expecting quite a bit of overacting but I was pleasantly surprised that the actors were very sensitive to the plot that this was a delicate situation where a country’s future was held in the balance of either a ‘tyrant’ or a political party.

Most notable were actors who carried the following roles: Marc Anthony, Cassius, Brutus, Julius Caesar. Their acting kept us peeled to the stage. They were convincing, commanding and superb. Though delivered in Shakespeare’s original old English, my 10 year old and I found it easy to follow and understand.

2. The Directing

The play was well-paced. It helped that the adaptation was set in ‘modern times’ where media plays a big role in propaganda. With the use of social media and contemporary setting,  it helped audience members to instantly identify with the context of the play. The incorporation of the projection of the audience as well as the inclusion of some audience members as the ‘media’ team narrowed the gap between actors and audience further.

3. The Stage Set

Creating the stage in an open park is no mean feat. In fact, one reason we enjoy open-air plays is the chance to experience a play in a customized stage as opposed to the normal ‘rectangle box’. This play is a good example of that.

Designed with reference to the austere and solemn-looking government building (i.e. the United Nations), the round stage has some special effects up its sleeves, including elevated levels that allow the cast to maximize their acting prowess. I won’t reveal other hidden surprises or I’ll risk spoiler alert. Go early and you’re able to walk onto the stage and see the world of Julius Caesar ‘come alive’ right in front of you. It’s quite a unique experience!

Watch this amazing time-lapse video of how the stage was constructed!

 

4. The Lighting and Music

This season’s  Shakespeare in the Park: Julius Caesar is performed with original music compositions. They were very effective in enhancing the mood. Played right on cue, there’s nothing like music to stir one’s emotions.  Throughout the evening, I forgot that this was performed open-air: the lighting made us feel as if we were in proper indoor performance venue. This is testament to the details SRT puts in to give their audience that premium theatrical experience whether indoor or out. Kudos!

5. The Relevance

Tyrant or benevolent leader? Love for country or thirst for power? The story of Julius Caesar is timeless and so relatable. Even more so in this day and age where there’s so much political turmoils and uncertainty among the super powers.  Perhaps it is this relevance coupled with the fine acting that make Shakespeare in the Park: Julius Caesar a real treat. It kept this Daddy–Daughter duo engaged and entertained from start to finish.  In fact, we would rate it as one of SRT’s best Shakespeare in the Park in recent years!

Is it suitable for kids?

The website advised that the play is ‘Not recommended for children’. This pertains largely to the parts where there are stabbings plus the fact that it is in Shakespeare’s original text (read: Olden English). However, if your child is at least 9 years and up, and well-acquainted with Shakespeare’s works, it would be an excellent opportunity to bring them to enjoy this quality performance LIVE and deepen your child’s love for literature and theatre. After all, isn’t the whole world a stage?

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: JULIUS CAESAR

Show Dates: 2 to 27 May 2018

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: Fort Canning Park

Ticket Pricing: 

School nights (Wednesdays) – 16 May and 23 May 

Picnic:
Advanced Ticket* – S$45
Standard Ticket^  – S$55 
Pavilion:
Advanced Ticket* – S$69
Standard Ticket^  – S$79
 
Thur & Sun shows

Picnic:
Advanced Ticket* – S$49
Standard Ticket^  – S$59
Pavilion:
Advanced Ticket* – S$79
Standard Ticket^  – S$89
Premium Picnic:
Advanced Ticket* – S$89
Standard Ticket^  – S$99

Fri & Sat shows

Picnic:
Advanced Ticket* – S$59
Standard Ticket^  – S$69
Pavilion:
Advanced Ticket* – S$89
Standard Ticket^  – S$99
Premium Picnic:
Advanced Ticket* – S$99
Standard Ticket^  – S$109

Book your tickets here.