Plot Summary

At the start of Julius Caesar, the title character has just overthrown Rome’s former ruler, Pompey, and is in the midst of celebrating that victory, and the holiday known as the feast of Lupercal, with his supporters. However, some of Rome’s influential politicians have grown suspicious of Caesar’s sudden rise to power, and question not only his ability to rule, but how too much power held by one man will impact democracy. While Caesar is being offered a kingly crown offstage, Caius Cassius begins to plant seeds of unrest, and causes Marcus Brutus, a senator that the people love and respect, to consider overthrowing Caesar. As Brutus considers his options, Cassius recruits more allies, and suddenly a faction of conspirators are ready to act. With their own fate and that of an empire in their hands, Brutus and Cassius set out to execute their plan— and their ruler. To do so, they must come face to face with the emotionally turbulent Roman people, including Mark Antony, a close friend and supporter of Julius Caesar. In the wake of extreme violence and persuasive public speeches, chaos sweeps through Rome, and a new power structure vies for control. Civil unrest, the changing tides of war and power, and personal betrayal are all at the heart of this play, as each character questions their decisions, their relationships, and their responsibility to one another and their country.

Special thanks to our sponsors for this performance: Ripon College, Mackinac Island Community Foundation, Kilwins of Mackinac Island, Mackinac Arts Council, Cannonball Oasis, Mike Kennedy Carving, and Mackinac Island Pizza Company (a Grand Hotel restaurant)*

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