'Julius Caesar'

Power, politics, jealousy and patriotism collide in William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar,” presented by the Flathead High School Theatre department April 26-29 at 6:27 p.m. in the David M. Hashley Theatre at the school.

Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for children, students and senior citizens, and are available at the high school’s main office, at Photo Video Plus in Kalispell and at the door, if available.

WHEN THE iconic Roman general and statesman, Julius Caesar, triumphantly returns from battle in a wave of public support, his friends wonder if this is the leader that’s right for Rome. Fearing Caesar’s power, a conspiracy unfolds in the Senate. Ignoring prophetic warnings about his demise, Caesar is assassinated, sending Rome into chaotic, and disastrous civil war.

“Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar’ is a great tale of betrayal, revenge, honor, and fate,” director, April Williams Walker said.

Although the work is named for him, Julius Caesar is a minor character, as the core of the action follows Brutus’ struggle to decide whether to protect his friend or end Caesar’s anticipated tyranny.

“I chose Caesar because of the great emotional struggle that Caesar, Brutus and Antony have to go through, giving the audience powerful unforgettable moments to experience,” Williams said.

“Directing Caesar this year also provided the opportunity to collaborate with the International Baccalaureate English classes at Flathead, which is always an incredibly creative and enlightening experience.

“The class members presented many original ideas on their interpretation of Caesar, and those ideas helped shape and mold the direction of our theme.”

Shakespeare’s bold exploration of politics feels as timely and dangerous today as when it was written, filled with keen strategy, ideals worth dying for and razor sharp language.

“I hope the audience takes away a greater understanding of the story itself, as well as an appreciation for the modern day relevancy of the political unrest and the power struggle that unfolds in ‘Julius Caesar,’” Williams said.

“This production of Caesar is set in 1910-1920s London. The set design is industrial, rustic and edgy; taking you back into the era of Sherlock Holmes. The set is complete with a wall-sized chameleon scrim, which will reveal silhouettes of deceit and death as the plot twists forward. The end of the play is filled with action and unexpected fight scenes thanks to my co-director Eli Brown.”

Flathead High School Theatre has coordinated with the FHS Art Department to offer a very special evening of art and theatre on Thursday, April 27. Prior to that day’s show, from 5 to 6 p.m., there will be an art show featuring artwork highlighting outstanding visual art from all the school’s art courses. In addition, there will be a reception with musical performances by Flathead guitar students and refreshments provided by Braves Catering. The reception takes place just before the doors open for the “Julius Caesar” performance.

THE CAST of “Julius Caesar” is Noam Tabb, Savannah Anderson, Nick Weaver, Charlotte Mack, Emma Beagley, Alex Naglich, Emme Schow, John Martiny, Tanis Hadwin, Ziah Brown, Korbyn Howe, Aubry Call, Hadasa Wagoner, Naesha Johnson, Jacob Nairn, Anna Henderson, America Mason, Alex Robinson, Trevor Brown, Isaac Glace, Thomas Schultz, Kade Quinn, Andrew Meccia, Lily Schaff, Sarai Lawson, Justin Jackson, Charcy Bullock, Annie Burtsfield, Isabella Francis, Justin Turner and Tommy Diegel.

Supporting the cast behind the scenes is the stage and technical crew under the direction of Kyla Niva. The crew includes Grace Burtsfield, Joshua Wolf, Michelle Clarke, Sidney Frandsen, Shannon Gillen, Kori Mooney, Corbin Green, Collin Burkhart, Laura Grachek, Greg Wilson, Maddie Sullivan, Micah Riendieu, Rick Trant, Rebecca Vance, Nikki Sauter and Kenzie Harvey.