Julius Caesar

Just in time for the Ides of March, City Theatre at Sacramento City College presents a slick, modern take on Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the title tells you who the play is about, though; rather than a story about the first Roman emperor, Julius Caesar is instead a play about loyalty and treason, with most of the action centered on Brutus (Gregory Jolivette).

As the central tragic character, Brutus alone among the conspirators in the murder of Caesar is acting on principle. But that isn’t enough to save him, especially given how he is racked with guilt. Jolivette, an experienced actor, illuminates the inner conflict that torments Brutus.

As Cassius, Nick Gailbreath reveals the insecurities that always underlie envy, his motivation to take Caesar’s life. In an equally strong performance as Mark Antony, Jason Oler brings a quiet dignity to the last defender of the deposed emperor, even as he plots with Octavius to split the empire.

In a neat staging move that lends an air of inevitability to the unfolding war-bound spiral, director Adrienne Sher leaves the Soothsayer (played by Dominque Jones) onstage to observe during much of the action, thus elevating a small role to one with historical resonance. Jones also gets credit for using her body and expressions—the Soothsayer has only a few lines—to act as a sort of chorus for the action.

The set design, by Shawn Weinsheink, is flexible and stark, while the costumes (black leather jackets, jeans and boots) radiate a sleek urban feel. The only tone break came with the swordplay, which (aside from the first sally between Oler and Sam Silverstein) was far more sound than fury.

And as for Caesar (Jes Gonzales)? Preoccupied and burdened with leadership, he died really, really well.