Sennockian 2019-2020 | Page 57

The second act shifted focus to the Liberators ’ Civil War , fought between the conspirators and a new opposition comprising of Caesar ’ s two potential heirs : Mark Antony ( Fred McGahan ) and Octavian ( Giacomo Pozzi ), who reflected Brutus ’ s desire for freedom and Cassius ’ s drive for success respectively . Mark Antony ’ s shared ideals with Brutus complicated the conflict creating a sympathetic enemy , his disposition highlighting Octavian ’ s contrasting ruthlessness . In this act we also saw the suicides of Cassius and Brutus once their side lost the war , leaving the audience with a sombre message surrounding idealism in the modern world , which was only compounded by Octavian ’ s ascension to the throne of Rome by force .
Throughout the play the scenes were complemented by beautifully choreographed dances by the populous of Rome , which related the plotting of Caesar ’ s
murder , the fabric of fate and the battles that occurred throughout the subsequent war . All were employed to illustrate the power of the people and the workings of fate that affected the events of the play . The haunting soothsayer ( Katie Willis ), who acted as the omniscient medium between the lands of the living and the dead , tied both acts of the play together and controlled the movements of the populous , providing a powerful commentary on mob mentality and its impact on politics .
With phenomenal acting , choreography and set , Caesar was a spectacular performance that turned modern political concerns and age-old interpersonal relationships into a captivating narrative striking deep into the heart of the human condition .
Katerina Panayiotou , Lower Sixth
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