University of Florida Performing Arts

Ambition, deception and betrayal take a front seat in Shakespeare’s epic tale of the rise and fall of one of history’s most notorious leaders.  Caught in the crosshairs of a political maelstrom, Marcus Brutus must choose between friendship and self-preservation.  Can he follow his conscience?  Or will he let one man’s tyrannical desires destroy the very fabric upon which Rome was built? 

Purchase tickets to Julius Caesar and you can receive 50% off tickets to see Aquila Theatre Company’s Catch-22.  For a coupon, click here.

To read the program for Julius Caesar, click here.

Synopsis of Julius Caesar

The Aquila Theatre Company’s production of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar will follow the epic story of the rise and fall of one of the world’s most notorious leaders. Set in a world of political intrigue and strained domestic relationships, the production explores the moral and political dilemma of Marcus Brutus. Should he 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 choice that Brutus makes has the power to destroy the old world order and to ignite a fierce civil war. 

Aquila’s production asks the audience 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 will be staged using Aquila’s renowned company aesthetic – excellent acting, crystalline verse-speaking, original music and innovative conceptualization and design.  It is the company’s mission to bring “the greatest work to the greatest number.” With Julius Caesar, Aquila 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.

About The Aquila Theatre Company

With precision, sensitivity and unity of ensemble, The Aquila Theatre Company articulates the human essence inherent in classical drama.  Combining the techniques of British and American theatre and following a philosophy of theatrical utilitarianism, Aquila believes that the greatest works should be seen by the greatest number.”

Aquila is a company of British and American artists dedicated to classical drama.  Founded in London in 1991 by Peter Meineck, Aquila is now based in New York City.

Aquila’s programs include:

A Major Annual National Tour: Aquila is the foremost producer of touring classical theatre in the United States, visiting 60-70 American cities per year.  Aquila’s 2006-07 tour consisted of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and a new stage adaptation of Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. During the 2007-08 season, Aquila will tour with productions of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar and a stage adaptation of Joseph Heller’s novel Catch-22.

Productions in New York City: Aquila is a major part of New York’s theatrical landscape, producing a regular season of plays. Last season Aquila presented Twelfth Night and The Invisible Man at the Baruch Performing Arts Center, and will present a major new production of Homer’s Iliad at Classic Stage Company in 2007.

Education Program: Aquila is dedicated to theatre art as education with an extensive program of workshops, institutes, and a specialized company for young audiences.  The Aquila Theatre for Young Audiences Company presented a special educational production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing to New York City area schools in conjunction with the Lincoln Center Institute in the spring of 2007.  The acclaimed Aquila education program is also being presented alongside the touring program, developing new and non-traditional audiences for exciting, excellent, and innovative classical drama.

Professional Training: Aquila trains professional artists in the techniques of performing classical theatre.  Aquila offers a rigorous weekly class (The Aquila Acting Lab) as well as intensive courses in New York City.

Collaborations: Aquila partners with major American theaters in the presentation of its work, and collaborates with notable artists from other disciplines including dance, music, and opera.  In recent seasons, Aquila has collaborated with choreographer Doug Varone on its New York production of The Invisible Man, and with MidAmerica Productions on Cherubini’s opera Medee at Carnegie Hall.