My Next Theatre Appearance
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 by SKaVeN » Wed Aug 09, 2006 12:08 am
Julius Caesar – lend it your ears
JULIUS CAESAR: University of Adelaide Theatre Guild
Little Theatre, The Cloisters, Adelaide of University
To August 19
THE Guild's interpretation of Shakespeare's history play is ably conceived and directed by Brant Eustice.
Cassandra Backler's set design, transforming the two levels of performance space in the Little Theatre into grey concrete slabs, creates the illusion of greatness, giving an impressive height and width to a space that could be a colosseum or an office block.
The space encloses a group of restless, passionate young men whose suits and ties barely confine their baser natures as they plot to commit one of history's most famous hostile political takeovers.
Placing the play in modern times gives it immediacy and the parallels between the politics of Ancient Rome and that of today are obvious.
Those in power still love the sound of their own voices and the backstabbing still continues, although today they tend to use the media rather than a knife.
The modern touches are sometimes intrusive but they create interest. I particularly like the black humour of one of Caesar's murderers using his mobile phone to photograph the emperor's dead body.
Props are very basic in this stylised production. That is understandable, but I do find it unforgivable to leave labels on the bottom of tin mugs. I found myself watching for them each time a character drank. Not I imagine what the director intended.
On opening night, due to illness, the director (Brant Eustice) played the role of Brutus. He gave a fine controlled performance that balanced Bart Csorba's passionate, fiery interpretation of the role of Cassius.
Csorba occasionally trips over his tongue as he spews forth a torrent of inflamed words but his energy and obvious enjoyment of the character is impressive.
Among a strong and dedicated cast, John Edge delivers a flawless performance as Caesar and Gary George is excellent in multiple roles, especially that of co-conspirator, Casca.
Antony Sampson takes on the role of Caesar's friend, Mark Antony, whose skilful words incite the mob to riot against their emperor's assassins.
Never has the “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears” speech made more sense.
Sampson delivers it like a no-nonsense Labour backbencher being shouted down by the rabble at speech time in Parliament House.
He's the only actor who doesn't neutralise his Australian accent and the play might have worked better had all the actors spoken in their real voices.
Women have very little to do in this play but Sharon Malujlo (Caesar's wife, Calpurnia) and Zo Poppyjon (Brutus' wife, Portia) do their utmost in their small roles and then make the most of their cameos.
I particularly enjoyed them as the bored makeup artists in the television studio where Brutus and Cassius are debating with Antony and Octavius (Felix Jozeps).
There is much to be admired about this production, from Ben Flett's intelligent lighting to the atmospheric use of Sam Jozeps' percussion instruments to accent and amplify the action.
Shakespeare's historic tragedies may not be for everyone. But if you do love your Shakespeare this is a young, fresh look at a classic you are sure to enjoy.
SUE OLDKNOW
● Review published in the Standard Messenger, 9-8-06, p. 29.
http://www.messenger.net.au/Pulse/htm/julius0606.htm
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SKaVeN
Ned Flanders
Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2005 12:51 am
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Location: Adelaide
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| Wed Aug 09, 2006 12:08 am |
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by atefooterz » Wed Aug 09, 2006 12:24 am
ConGratz 2 all 
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atefooterz
Santa's Little Helper
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| Wed Aug 09, 2006 12:24 am |
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by SKaVeN » Wed Aug 09, 2006 12:28 am
atefooterz wrote: ConGratz 2 all Thanks, Footz!
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SKaVeN
Ned Flanders
Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2005 12:51 am
Posts: 2065 Karma: 3.15 (65 thanks)
Location: Adelaide
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| Wed Aug 09, 2006 12:28 am |
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by Argod » Wed Aug 09, 2006 2:39 am
Huzzah!! 
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Argod
Itchy the Mouse
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| Wed Aug 09, 2006 2:39 am |
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by SKaVeN » Wed Aug 09, 2006 3:31 am
Argod wrote: Huzzah!! Heehee! That's what I always yell out when we're all doing the "cheering Caesar at the games backstage" bit.
Thanks, Args! 
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SKaVeN
Ned Flanders
Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2005 12:51 am
Posts: 2065 Karma: 3.15 (65 thanks)
Location: Adelaide
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| Wed Aug 09, 2006 3:31 am |
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by SKaVeN » Wed Aug 09, 2006 6:11 pm
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare.
Directed by Brant Eustice for University of Adelaide Theatre Guild.
Little Theatre, 5-19 Aug 2006.
Performance of 8/08/06 reviewed by Myk Mykyta.
To air on Sate of Play, Radio Adelaide, Wednesday 9/08/06 between 9:30 and 10pm.
Myk Mykyta on State of Play wrote: Brant Eustice has directed a very satisfying version of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar for the University of Adelaide Theatre Guild, currently at the Little Theatre. Cassandra Backler’s design has thoroughly eliminated the Little Theatre’s brick walls and has provided a setting that is timeless, elegant and totally flexible. The setting is strong enough to carry this modern dress production into the limbo of eternal political machinations without jarring on the potential anachronisms of swords, daggers and the like.
Ben Flett’s lighting focuses the action well and Sam Jozeps’ percussion reflects and comments on boys playing games of political machination that prove fatal for many of them. Hopefully the story of Caesar’s ambition to become emperor and the determination of a group of Roman nobility to stop him is well enough known. It seems as if the only way to stop Caesar is to kill him, which is what they do, very publicly, in the Senate. Ironically the assassination precipitates a civil war – one of a series – that enthroned Octavius as the first Roman emperor.
Last night’s performance of Julius Caesar gave an appreciative audience an intelligent reading. It is not often that so many actors in a Shakespearian play actually understand what the characters are saying and manage to communicate that to the audience; mind you that was true of Shakespeare’s own actors. All the leads in this production did just that and did it very well. For me that more than made up for the shortcomings of the smaller part players.
John Edge gave us a Caesar who is sure of his position in life; almost, but not quite, to the point of paranoia. His Caesar remains human but truly does bestride the world “like a Colossus. Michael Allen who played Brutus, for the first time on Tuesday, brought a sincerity and a gravitas that totally won my sympathy for and understanding of the character. Bart Csorba as Cassius gave a thoughtful and clear understanding of the character of Cassius. Csorba’s interpretation not only clearly explained the motivation and drive of the character, but also gave a very clear explication of the political situation that precipitated the assassination. Other actors that come to mind are: Gary George as Casca, Aldo Longobardi as Decius Brutus and Zo Poppyjon as Brutus’ wife Portia.
In all this production of Julius Caesar is well worth the time. It shows the continuing relevance of Shakespeare’s play and also entertains the audience. You can catch it this week and the next in a Tuesday to Saturday season at 7:30pm. Oh, if you’re a student or a member of staff at Adelaide University you can see Julius Caesar on Tuesdays for only $15.
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SKaVeN
Ned Flanders
Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2005 12:51 am
Posts: 2065 Karma: 3.15 (65 thanks)
Location: Adelaide
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| Wed Aug 09, 2006 6:11 pm |
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by SKaVeN » Thu Aug 10, 2006 4:17 pm
JULIUS CAESAR
University of Adelaide Theatre Guild
The Little Theatre
Until 19 Aug 2006
Nikki Gaertner from The Adelaide Theatre Guide wrote:
Lies, deceit and the ultimate betrayal bring about the downfall and untimely death of this infamous Caesar of Rome.
Director Brant Eustice has attempted a Baz Luhrmann act by contemporising the attire and bringing the story to the modern world, while leaving the Shakespearean text untouched. The resultant effect is a little disconcerting as although, as Eustice states, “the characters, their motives and actions are recognisable and relevant today”, the storyline is still quite embedded in ancient Rome, and men in business suits taking photos with their mobile phones seem a little out of place there.
Nevertheless the performers are strong with only the odd falter in the delivery of the wordy text.
With John Edge in the title role, the casting is off to a good start with the actor bringing with him a great stage presence required for this illustrious character.
Bart Csorba is also in fine form, fully representing the qualities of the scheming Cassius. His delivery of the text, though at times a little dramatic, helps to illustrate the motivations behind the brutal actions at the end of Act I.
With the illness of Michael Allen leaving him unable to perform on opening night, Eustice himself stepped into the pivotal role of Brutus. And, particularly given the complexity of the script, he did so very well. Eustice painted quite a gentle, yet power-hungry Brutus who is easily corrupted by his calculating brother and takes part in committing a gruesome crime, but who is still a man of great feelings for his wife, brother and his leader, Caesar.
As the cast is relatively small, many portray multiple characters (as is frequently done in Shakespearean plays). However, during the second act this doubling and tripling begins to become confusing, with actors not changing their appearance in significant enough ways to enable the audience to distinguish between them. Is this one of the conspirators from the first act, or simply a servant? Listen very carefully to the text or risk not finding out…
The set is quite simple, with the walls papered to represent a cement-like look, but special mention must go to the two material pillar-style drapes which change colour with a little lighting effect and quickly and cleverly bring about a new atmosphere after a scene change. Likewise some background percussion by Sam Jozeps helps to bring the right mood to each scene.
All in all, Eustice has assembled a relatively strong cast to bring forth this representation and has done well to attempt to bring it into the here and now, however this Shakespearean piece somehow still feels like it needs some togas to completely work.
Methinks Nikki may not have read any of the publicity material first...
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SKaVeN
Ned Flanders
Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2005 12:51 am
Posts: 2065 Karma: 3.15 (65 thanks)
Location: Adelaide
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| Thu Aug 10, 2006 4:17 pm |
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by SKaVeN » Wed Aug 16, 2006 3:16 pm
For those of you in Adelaide who got the Sunday Mail last Sunday, there was quite a good review there by Matt Byrne.
Peter Goers was there last week & I believe had talked about it on the radio the other night.
Anyway, here's David Grybowski's review:
David Grybowski wrote: Julius Caesar
Director: Brant Eustice
Theatre Guild
Until Sat 19 Aug
Julius Caesar is alive and well and haunting the Little Theatre at U of A. Novice yet accomplished director Brant Eustice set this evergreen in our times to once again emphasise how Shakespeare's take on politics, power and retribution resonates in our time, and indeed, likely for all time. Dressed in dark business suits, the conspirators and the emperor inhabit a post-modern environment of stark steel-grey rectangular columns and beams.
Cassandra Backler's set is gently and intelligently lit by Ben Flett who uses crimson with contrasting green and soft yellow to enhance the emotional broil.
Eustice cuts to the chase and after an initial urging by the furtive Cassius to the loyal Brutus, his version of the faceless back room men move in and out of the shadows to discuss the dangers of unbridled power and Caesar's impending coronation. The pace quickens toward the frenzied assassination with a spot of vicious overkill. Although nearly all of the action belongs to the men, the entreaties of Portia (Zo Poppyjon) and Calpurnia (Sharon Malujlo) to their respective husbands are the most poignant scenes in this production.
In the second act, the frenzied citizens of Rome placed around the amphitheatre put the audience in the play with their taunts and calls during Mark Antony's famous eulogy. One by one, the main perpetrators populate the stage with their bodies as Mark Antony's alliance with the general Octavius gains control of the city.
While the first act seemed the most practiced, the relationship between Bart Csorba's Cassius and Michael Allen's Brutus only grew stronger. Cassius' self-assured course contrasted with friend.
Doubt over their mutual steadfastness and their growing realisation that it was all going wrong were tangible. Gary George fronted with a reflective Casca and Aldo Longobardi seemed an obsequious Decius. Indeed, each of the actors within the conspiracy worked their scripts to render a plethora of persona. Tony Sampson boomed with a powerful voice as the distressed and angry Mark Antony but lacked urgency as the avenger. John Edge presented a dignified Caesar ruling in decline and by hubris. In the second act, the director might have made a more tragic figure out of a naked corpse than a dressed one.
Eustice moved his actors purposefully around the stage and ensured appropriate gestures that accompanied the crisp text of most of his principals. However, more often than I can endure I was presented with a speaking backside. Sam Jozeps beat out a driving score with his drum kit that set the quickstep pace and heightened the tension.
Brant Eustice and his creative team have produced a consummate theatrical experience with an accomplished attunement of lights, design, sound, and performance.
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SKaVeN
Ned Flanders
Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2005 12:51 am
Posts: 2065 Karma: 3.15 (65 thanks)
Location: Adelaide
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| Wed Aug 16, 2006 3:16 pm |
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by SKaVeN » Mon Sep 18, 2006 11:35 pm
A NIGHT ON THE TILES
Written By Frank Vickery
Director: Damien White
Wedding bells are ringing for Gareth and his pregnant girlfriend, Shirley. However, the marriage isn't exactly having the most auspicious of beginnings.Things between Shirley and Gareth's cocky brother Kenneth have not been as innocent as they appear, and when Gareth finds out, his own relationship with Shirley comes under considerable strain.Further, the newlyweds struggle to escape from the influence of Gareth's domineering mother, Doris, and set up home on their own. Meanwhile poor old Grandad keeps getting stuck in the outside loo, and he isn't even sure whether Shirley married Gareth or Kenneth!A Night on the Tiles is a warm, comical and well-observed play, which takes a realistic look at the difficulties of family life.
Performance Dates:
Thursday 16th November 2006 to Saturday 18 November 2006 @ 8pm
Thursday 23rd Novmeber 2006 to Saturday 25 November 2006 @ 8pm
Matinee Perfomances on both Saturdays @ 2pm
Domain Theatre
Marion Cultural Centre
Cnr Diagonal and Sturt Roads (Adjacent Westfield Shoppingtown Marion)
Oaklands Park
More Information:
Email [email protected] for more information.
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SKaVeN
Ned Flanders
Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2005 12:51 am
Posts: 2065 Karma: 3.15 (65 thanks)
Location: Adelaide
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| Mon Sep 18, 2006 11:35 pm |
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by SKaVeN » Wed Nov 15, 2006 6:04 pm
Just a bit of publicity from the newspaper:
[img]/uploads_thumbnails/Artscene.JPG[/img]
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SKaVeN
Ned Flanders
Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2005 12:51 am
Posts: 2065 Karma: 3.15 (65 thanks)
Location: Adelaide
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| Wed Nov 15, 2006 6:04 pm |
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