The Knightsbridge Theatre's production of "Julius Caesar" directed by
Karesa McElheny, is like none you have seen before. Sure, there are the familiar characters from your high school English Lit reading assignment - Julius Caesar, Brutus, Cassius and Mark Anthony.
There are Roman togas, soldiers and swords, conspiracies and betrayals, a bloody assassination and a tragic battle scene. But, from the moment Julius Caesar walks onto stage with her entourage, you will see the amazing difference.
Yes, you read that right. In this daring gender-reversed production, the strong male parts are played by equally strong women performers. The Roman ruler who thrice rejects the queenly crown is played regally by veteran Knightsbridge actress
Marti Hale; and her doting husband Calpurnia, by
Joseph Patrick Bogs.
The compelling, dark-haired beauty
Pili Nathaniel plays the duplicitous Mark Antony to perfection, although youthful
Chelsea Coleman's performance as Octavius Caesar is not quite as believable.
By far, the two most breath-taking and awesome dramatic performances are given by
Lisa Tharps as the conflicted, but most noble Brutus, and
Mary T. Sala who plays the clever and conniving Cassius.
Sala's body language is mesmerizing, perfectly mirroring her words, while her flashing eyes reveal the intensity of her thoughts. Tharps has the ability to show countless fleeting emotions on her face and in her demeanor, from loyalty and love to indecision, fury and anguish. Watching these two exceptional performers will give hope to the most cynical of theater critics.
The talented cast who play supporting characters, crowds and soldiers do an outstanding job. When eight or ten soldiers march onto stage you believe they are a battalion; when a crowd forms, they sound and seem like thousands.
The marble-like Roman Forum that is the stage works equally well as a hillside battleground. The ambiance of fog and lighting, the minimal costumes, and the stirring music all work to place the audience in the "thick of things," be it a whispered plot or a bloody murder.
Even if you don't like Shakespeare, you must see "Julius Caesar" at the Knightsbridge Theatre. It will be a production you won't forget, for the superb acting and the uniqueness of the gender-reversal.
Located at 1944 Riverside Drive in Los Angeles, near Los Feliz.
Call (323) 667-0955 for information and reservations, or visit their website at
www.knightsbridgetheatre.com .