Julius Caesar at ISC

With the Ides of March just passed and the current political situation in our formerly United States constantly in our faces, this play speaks to power and loyalty .. and to politics. 

 Paul Turbiak (Cassius), Faqir Hassan (Brutus)

Behind left to right: Jose Acain (Lucilius), Sam Breen (Mark Antony), Kendell Byrd (Lucius)

Photo by Grettel Cortes

What directors David Melville and Melissa Chalsma have done with the always imaginative Independent Shakespeare Company brings the story to life, no mean feat with ten actors playing all of the characters and the audience in on the crowd scenes.  In their relatively new space now more like a traditional theatre than their former cozy workshop with costumes and props just behind a rustic wall, the audience is prompted now from tiered seats to participate as announced by Kelvin Morales as Cinna the Poet (not to be confused with John Ellsworth Phillips as Cinna the Senator) greets the audience and encourages us to participate as citizens of Rome.  Video monitors tele-prompt the audience to immerse themselves in the play and it works.  An enthusiastic opening night crowd shouted and applauded on cue. 

The basic story of power abused and the politics of Rome circa 48BC opens with Caesar's triumphant return to acclaim. Mark Antony (Sam Breen ),  long time friend of Caesar has tempted him with a crown, but Caesar has refused.  In fact it would be good to be king, but the general wanted to say no enough times to make the citizens of Rome really want for him to take it. 

The ISC has a way of taking these classic plays and tweeking them just enough to make them palatable and even, in this tragedy, fun.  

On an essentially bare stage, a bit of Brecht falls into place with all of the players often standing or sitting on benches to the left and right of the playing area. There are no wings. Some players doubling make simple costume changes right before out eyes to allow the story to unfold smoothly.  Welded channel steel cubes and pipe constructions create a wide variety of scenes. With excellent lighting by Bosco Flanagan, it all comes together well.  As Caesar, David Melville, is regal. At the end of Act I, the murder of Caesar is dramatic and beautifully choreographed.

 Lia Wallfish's military costumes are modern with colored sashes to help keep the characters straight. 

Most impressive is the way the directors have made this diverse cast into a company of players who, to a person are immersed in each of their characters with no one over the top or under to stand out as less than professional.  Mark Antony's 'Friends, Romans, Countrymen..." by Breen comes off a bit light, but sincere and effective none the less. 
Edit:  this site was all wonky (it's still behaving badly!) when I was attempting to write this review.  In addition to the above mentioned actors, credit should be also given to the entire cast doubling and tripling in the play:
Jose Acain, Cynthia Boorujy, Kendall Byrd, Faqir Hassan, Philicia Saunders and Paul Turbiak. 

JULIUS CAESAR by William Shakespeare

Independent Shakespeare Company

3191 Casitas Avenue, Suite 130
Los Angeles, CA 90039 
Runs March 15 - May 11
Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays at 7:30; 
Sundays at 2:00
Tickets $25 - $35, Students $15
(No show on Sunday, April 21st)

Tickets and information:

 818 710 6306

indyshakes@iscla.org