Julius Caesar

Everyone knows the name Julius Caesar. Everyone knows the name Shakespeare. And if you live in Wellington you should know the name Stagecraft.

Their latest production is a modern enactment of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. It's staged in the round, just as it was traditionally. There is no getting away from other audience members, with only two rows there's no hiding, or the actors. The central floor holds fights and riots which spill into the wings. If you're not a fan of flashing lights and loud noises this may not be the production for you.

As any good Shakespeare play it ends with a pile of bodies. It's a shame there isn't any blood, especially as it is so central to one scene, but it's understandable why it was left out. It's messy and would ruin the costumes - and make it hard for actors to play multiple parts.

Julius Caesar tells a well known tale of an ambitious politician with a hot young wife (this needs to be mentioned because it is super uncomfortable when they kiss) and the revolutionaries who are hell bent on bringing him down. Although I've read Shakespeare I hadn't read this one and was surprised how early in the piece the major events happened.

You'll be delighted by the gender swaps (too much testosterone on stage otherwise) and the familiar phrases including: "the fault in our stars", "mortal instruments", "Romans, friends, countrymen, lend me your ears", and the classic joke "it's all Greek to me".

Performances: 19-29 May (times vary)

Tickets: $25