The Bard Brought Bang Up To Date

Never afraid of controversy Old Town Theatre Company’s forthcoming production of Julius Caesar is the third Shakespeare play the group has set in modern times.

The action in Shakespeare’s tragedy takes place, of course, in ancient Rome. OTTC director Lance Hodges has drawn a parallel between the themes of deception and betrayal in the Roman senate 2,000 years ago and the corridors of power in the 21st century.

“Setting the play in modern times helps to make it more accessible to a modern audience”, said Lance. “But it’s more than just putting the characters into modern clothes. All the elements have a perfect fit – deception, betrayal, lust for power and the corruption of power that leads to the overthrowing of someone whom others regard as a dictator. It could just as easily be a 21st century state as ancient Rome”.

Julius Caesar is performed at the Arts Centre, Devizes Road, from June 15 to 17. Tickets cost £6, or £4 for concessions. Call 01793 614837 to book.

Flicky Harrison

The above photo was taken by the Swindon Advertiser and is used with their kind permission.

Shaking Up Shakespeare's Caesar

This week a Swindon theatre company is taking on its third venture into the works of the Bard with the colourful production of Julius Caesar.

The Old Town Theatre Company presented Macbeth in 1998 and The Taming of the Shrew in 2001 and, as usual, put their own spin on Shakespeare’s plays.

The director of Julius Caesar is Lance Hodges and the stars, pictured here, are Fenella Harrop and David Howell.

Lance said: “Although we tend to focus on contemporary and 20th century plays we rise to the challenge of the classics too. And Shakespeare particularly excites us. There is so much in the text and it delivers great possibilities for the director and actors to explore.”

The Roman tragedy is set in modern times. Julius Caesar is performed at the Arts Centre, Devizes Road, until tomorrow. Tickets are £6 on 01793 614837.

Flicky Harrison