JULIUS CAESAR

Written by William Shakespeare

Directed by Caitlin Baker

Presented by Chaika Theatre

ACT HUB Theatre, Kingston to 2 August

 

Reviewed by Len Power 23 July 2025

 

As Caesar poses for the Press and conspirators plot to kill him for the perceived good of the people, this contemporary staging of Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” has an unsettling relevance to the world of today. Individuals can be convinced by false information to take part in a hideous crime and the peoples’ attitudes can be changed by a single speech. The far-reaching effects of their actions plunge the ordered society of the play into civil war.

Chaika Theatre’s first Shakespeare production is impressive. The action takes place on a raised runway down the middle of the theatre with a large poster of Caesar towering over it and the audience seated on both sides of the action. Costumes and uniforms are contemporary, and the use of mobile phones, walkie-talkies and other modern-day devices brings the play clearly and logically into the 21^st Century.

Director, costume and set designer, Caitlin Baker, brings a remarkably clear vision to the play and ensures that the action flows smoothly throughout. The use of audio, designed by Paris Sharkie and Neville Pye, provides an effective sense of vast crowds witnessing these events. The fight choreography by Lachlan Ruffy is intense and effective.

Michael Sparks (Julius Caesar)

There are many fine performances in the show. Michael Sparks cleverly shows the many sides of Julius Caesar. He seems charming for the most part, but he is quick to anger and his interaction with the Press shows a man who revels far too much in publicity. Lachlan Ruffy is a standout as Brutus, a good man conflicted with doubts. His sensitive and thoughtful performance brings out all facets of this fascinating character. Colin Giles gives Mark Antony a strength and quiet determination and his “Friends, Romans, Countrymen” speech is strongly and persuasively given.

Lachlan Ruffy (Brutus) and Yanina Clifton (Cassius)

There is good work also by Yanina Clifton as Cassius, Karen Vickery as Casca and Amy Kowalczuk in multiple roles including the wives, Portia and Calpurnia. The rest of the cast give convincing performances.

Joshua James (Octavius) and Colin Giles (Mark Antony)

Too often we hear directors trying to convince us that their production of a classic play has relevance for today, but in this case, Caitlin Baker’s production gives Shakespeare’s play an almost startling contemporary relevance, showing the parallels with world problems that we are grappling with today. It’s also entertaining and satisfying theatre.

 

Photos by Jane Duong

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs and published in his blog 'Just Power Writing' at https://justpowerwriting.blogspot.com/.