Bell Shakespeare is set to kick off 2026 with a bold and contemporary production of Julius Caesar, Shakespeare’s gripping political masterpiece.
Opening at the Sydney Opera House from 7 March to 5 April, the production will then tour to the Canberra Theatre Centre from 10 to 18 April, before concluding at the Arts Centre Melbourne from 23 April to 10 May.
Directed by Bell Shakespeare Artistic Director Peter Evans, this new staging serves as a companion piece to the company’s 2025 production of Coriolanus. While Coriolanus explored the rise of the Roman Republic, Julius Caesar delves into its fall, examining the cost of ambition, loyalty, and power.
Set against a backdrop reminiscent of Eastern Europe in the 1990s, the production draws parallels between the political upheaval of that era and the structures of Ancient Rome. “After Coriolanus, I’m fascinated to produce Julius Caesar, another of Shakespeare’s history-based Roman plays, and see how one informs the other,” said Peter Evans. “Shakespeare’s text delves into the art of persuasion and the results of political violence, looking at the dangers of political rhetoric and how it can inspire chaos and civil war. This play is always timely, and you can’t help but see reflections in political systems around the world today.”
A Stellar Cast and Creative Team
The production boasts a seasoned ensemble cast, including Leon Ford (Elvis, Hamlet) as Cassius, Brigid Zengeni (Coriolanus, The Artful Dodger) as Brutus, and Helpmann Award winner Mark Leonard Winter (The Dressmaker, The Newsreader) making his Bell Shakespeare debut as Mark Antony. Septimus Caton (Coriolanus, Comedy of Errors) takes on the titular role of Julius Caesar, joined by Peter Carroll (King Lear, Aftertaste) as Casca, Jules Billington (Macbeth, The Comedy of Errors) as Portia, and Ruby Maishman (Coriolanus) as Cinna, among others.
The creative team includes Jessica Tovey (Associate Director), Amelia Lever-Davidson (Lighting Designer), Simone Romaniuk (Costume Designer), Madeleine Picard (Composer and Sound Designer), Tim Dashwood (Fight and Movement Director), and Jack Starkey-Gill (Voice Director).
A Timeless Tale of Power and Betrayal
Julius Caesar follows the journey of the titular Roman leader, who returns from battle victorious and is repeatedly offered the crown to rule. Fearing Caesar’s growing influence, Brutus and Cassius conspire to assassinate him, setting off a chain of violence that leads to chaos and civil war.
This production promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of political ambition and its consequences, brought to life through a contemporary lens. With its powerful themes and dynamic staging, Julius Caesar is set to captivate audiences and spark conversations about the timeless relevance of Shakespeare’s work.
See the show:
- Sydney Opera House: 7 March – 5 April
- Canberra Theatre Centre: 10 – 18 April
- Arts Centre Melbourne: 23 April – 10 May
Image: Leon Ford as Cassiusin Julius Caesar. Photo by Pierre Toussaint.