Deception, murder, and corrupt power take the stage with The Arizona Repertory Theatre's production of William Shakespeare's tragedy "Julius Caesar," which opens in previews Sunday.
Here are five reasons to catch this production performed by University of Arizona theater students.
1. It's historical: The play tells the story of the conspiracy against and assassination of Julius Caesar, dictator of Rome at the time (44 B.C.). It also dramatizes the defeat of the conspirators.
2. Solid sources: Shakespeare's source for the play was Plutarch's "Parallel Lives." Some also think he pulled from "The Monk's Tale" in Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales."
3. Death: Shakespeare came up with loads of ways for his characters to die, including: Caesar was stabbed 33 times; Brutus runs onto his own sword; Portia, Brutus' wife, swallowed hot coal.
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4. Language: The play is packed with pithy quotes, such as "Beware the ides of March;" "Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste death but once;" and "Et tu Brute?," Caesar's second to last sentence. His last: "Then fall, Caesar!"
5. Because it's there: Really, if you have a chance to see Shakespeare, you should grab it. There's a reason his plays have been staged over and over again since the 16th century.
If you go
• What: Arizona Repertory Theatre Company's production of "Julius Caesar."
• By: William Shakespeare.
• Director: Brent Gibbs.
• When: Previews are 1:30 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Monday. Opening: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Regular performances are 7: 30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 1:30 p.m. March 4, 10, and 24-25. No performances during spring break, March 12-18.
• Where: Marroney Theatre in the UA Fine Arts Complex, near North Park Avenue and East Speedway.
• Tickets: Previews, $17; regular performances $28, discounts available.
• Reservations: 621-1162 or arizona.tix.com.
• Running time: 110 minutes, with one intermission.
