JULIUS CAESAR (PLAY)

 

Written by William Shakespeare

Directed by Peter Evans

Bell Shakespeare

The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre to 18 April

 

Reviewed by Len Power 11 April 2026

 

When you think over what you have just seen in Bell Shakespeare’s production of “Julius Caesar”, an uneasiness settles over you. There is the brutal murder of Caesar, of course, but then one of the killers, Brutus, convinces us in a speech that Caesar’s assassination was necessary. Mark Antony’s speech that follows quickly and easily moves us to the opposite view. We realize that we have been manipulated by both speakers with just the power of words.

Shakespeare is a master of rhetoric. From the start of the play characters are continually swayed by words that influence, appeal to the emotions and motivate. Peter Evans’ production stresses the effect of the power of words, showing us how easily we can be manipulated. The strong message of the play is easily applied to modern day life and world politics.

The play covers three years from Caesar’s triumphant return to Rome after a war with the sons of Pompey, to his assassination and then the defeat of the killers at the Battle of Philippi.

Brigid Zengeni (Brutus) and Leon Ford (Cassius)

Fine character studies are provided by every member of the cast. Septimus Caton is a strong but charming and charismatic Julius Caesar. Brutus is played by Brigid Zengeni with a warmth and humanity that clearly shows the conflict within the character. Her performance is highly convincing.

Mark Leonard Winter (Mark Antony)

As Mark Antony, Mark Leonard Winter gives a superb performance of his “Friends, Romans, Countryman” speech. That we view his character so differently before and after that moment shows the skill and thought that has gone into his performance.

Septimus Caton (Julius Caesar) and the assassins

There is fine work also by Leon Ford as Cassius who convinces as one of the conspirators, Peter Carroll in a subtle and clever portrayal of Casca and Jules Billington as a warm and caring Portia.

The excellent lighting design by Amelia Lever-Davidson is complex and adds considerable atmosphere to the simple but cleverly designed set by the director, Peter Evans. Simone Romaniuk’s costumes are nicely modern with a suggestion of the original period of the play.

This Bell Shakespeare production succeeds with its clarity of the text, the fine performances of the cast and the convincing vision of the director.

 

Photos by Brett Boardman

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.