FRIENDS, ROMAN, AND COUNTRYMEN – Written by David Davalos; Directed by Tim Orr. Produced by the Colorado Shakespeare Festival (Presented in the Green Roe Theatre, CU campus) through August 1. Tickets available at 303-492-8008 or CUpresents@colorado.edu.
At first glance, one wonders, “Why do we need another play about the assassination of Julius Caesar? Didn’t Shakespeare cover all the important parts?” The assassination play was told through the point of view of the diplomats, the triumvirate of men who could and would benefit from his death. The people of Rome who welcomed Caesar back from his battles were shown to be fickle and plebeian. FRIENDS, ROMANS, AND COUNTRYMEN gives us a look at two of those common men and the impact the politics at the time had on their lives.
Virgil (played by Alexander Quinones) is a lowly but dedicated poet, forced into working as a street cleaner to make ends meet. He meets Xenarchus (Jihad Millhem), doing the same kind of work, but a dedicated philosopher from a conquered land. Their conversations reveal the observations they share and the ideas that cause disagreement, but both are carried along in different directions by the activities following Caesar’s murder. This quietly illustrates how a society, to survive and thrive, needs both artists and humanitarians to prosper. The battles brought on by the politicians are carried out, the sacrifices made, the victories celebrated . . . under the watchful eyes of both men. They become the hopeful arbiters of the future, on behalf of all of us watching, as would-be emperors invade their lives. They repeat the warning about future times expressed in Shakespeare’s vision.
While there are dramatic insights, poignant prayers, and consequential decisions made throughout this examination of Roman adventures, the characters are given a humorous point of view and dialogue that presents them as authentically thoughtful and intelligent. You can’t help but root for both of them to avoid the perils that are thrown their way just because of their presence in places they didn’t choose for themselves. They are pragmatic but positive, harassed but hopeful.
As actors, both Alexander and Jihad brought these original characters to life in profound ways. The audience is made to understand their dilemmas and their dreams. Playwright David Davalos’ insight into both sides of a political situation is thoughtful and comprehensive. He allows his characters to both stumble and prosper, as most humans do as they traverse tricky situations. There is much to be learned here in subtext and thoughtful reflection. The story is told with a precision occasionally lacking in Shakespeare’s work, who seems to think we know more history than modern education has taught. But like most of us in troubled times, both Virgil and Xanarchus, through prayer and deliberation, make it through to a new tomorrow.
Kevin Nelson’s dramatic set of levels, stairs, and grand spaces, with only small adjustments, sufficed to provide space and grandeur for both of these stories of Roman leaders and followers. Katie Gruenhagen’s lighting effects made it dramatic, while Jason Ducat’s sound effects made it real.
While the CSF production of JULIUS CAESAR is huge, loud, a big show using the whole theatre, this is like a smaller, but equally important story going on behind the scenes at the same time. A fitting and appropriate “backstage” accompaniment to the events both before and after the death of Caesar.
A WOW factor of 8.5!!