Today’s Date: 6/28/23
Show Title: JULIUS CAESAR
Director: Natasia Reinhardt
Staff Crew: Assistant Directors: Cole Metz and Liv Meredith. Dramaturg: Eli Dietrich. Stage Manager: Lillian Malone.
What we did
We began blocking! Starting with a tad of line work to get a general idea of the scenes. The play’s first scene is between the rabblement and Roman senators Flavius and Murellus. The senators integrate a Cobbler and a Carpenter from the crowd. Every actor was on stage today because we needed “rabblement” in the scene. We went through simulated mob walking exercises in which the campers walked around the stage chanting “Caesar” softly. After the first scene was done, we moved to Caesar’s entrance, in which a large train of attendants are interrupted by a Soothsayer.
We decided to have Artemidorus (Hudson) and the Soothsayer (Desi) be back to back as they walk on and quote the famed “Beware the Ides of March” in unison. The dual effect of making the Soothsayer an otherworldly-looking person and the shock and dismissal that Marcos’ Caesar is expertly able to portray makes this scene visually interesting.
The next scene is one of my favorites in the show. A conversation between Cassius and Brutus, this scene is a perfect example of manipulation. Cassius masterfully convinces Brutus to have hesitation about Caesar’s sudden advance in power. The conflict between the two leads in this scene is the jumping-off point for the rest of the play. Isabella and Pheonix clearly understand their character’s intention in this scene, partly helped by the character work done yesterday and partly because of the extreme talent all the campers consistently show.
Quick and Quotable
- From the play “I am glad that my weak words have struck thus much show of fire from Brutus,” We realized that Cassius is being manipulative here, as his words are anything but weak, and Brutus is not very “fiery” in his response.
- From the director Natasia hammered home the dual meanings of moments in this play. For example, “Beware the Ides of March” is said to Caesar and Cassius simultaneously since the Soothsayer and Artemidorus are back to back. The theme of dual meanings and manipulative tactics will be a reality throughout the show. Natasia also asked to add some little friendly gestures of endearment between Cassius and Brutus.
- From the cast The cast made many decisions in rehearsal today by themselves. Something always amazing to see is a cast connecting with the work. From the chanting backstage to the energy they bring when they enter at the top of the show, every camper had a grounded idea of who they were.
Production Insights
The beginning of this show is difficult. Almost everybody is on stage throughout the first and third scenes, making it very chaotic. Natasia simulated mob chaos without making it dangerous for the actors. This simulation of the mob will be integral to the blocking. Today felt like an ensemble, and tomorrow the actors will begin to find out what it feels like to split up and work on their scenes separately. Natasia is also starting to break down the critical lines used to manipulate Brutus. Setting up this manipulation will be incredibly interesting to see later down the line. The small gestures of endearment by Cassius and Brutus will set up their love story and eventual fallout expertly.