Julius Caesar + Antony and Cleopatra

Sport for Jove Theatre Company is back for an eighth Outdoor Summer Shakespeare Season. This time they will be taking you on a Roman adventure exploring the epic tale of Julius Caesar as well as Antony and Cleopatra. Directed by Michael Pigott and Damien Ryan, the lively plays tell the stories of three heroic leaders of their time.

When asked how the actors felt about this particular performance Damien Ryan, who is also the Artistic Director of Sport for Jove, replied: “The cast have been really engaged with the ideas in the plays and actors crave plays like this, they are huge poetic dramas with powerful and eternally relevant concepts at work. The company has had a wonderful time putting these plays together. Hard work as it is done in a short time, and they are working incredibly hard, but the real thrill for us all [is] to play with these texts.”

With many new faces and some familiar ones, this play will be an engaging and wonderful treat to watch on a warm summer’s night. “It is wonderful to provide new opportunities for artists who haven’t worked with us before,” added Ryan.

After the season initially began with both plays performed on one evening (from 5pm onwards), the intense sunlight and heat of the late Australian afternoon hampered plans for experiencing the fullness of Shakespeare’s work in one evening. For the remainder of the season the two productions share alternating evenings. (KH)

Until Jan 29, performance times vary. Bella Vista Farm Park, Baulkham Hills and Everglades Garden, Leura. $30-$38 (Family Bundle $120). Tickets & info: www.sportforjove.com.au

BY KAITI HAVILAND