Georgia Shakespeare Presents JULIUS CAESAR 10/8-11/1

Georgia Shakespeare takes on a shockingly timeless tale of political power, conspiracy and revolution when it presents Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, October 8 - November 1 at the Conant Performing Arts Center at Oglethorpe University (4484 Peachtree Rd., NE, Atlanta 30319). Tickets range from $15 to $45 and may be purchased by calling 404.264.0020 or online at gashakespeare.org. Discounted ($12) tickets are available for the Thursday, October 8 preview performance.

Taking a cue from the political turmoil that spread through the world in the early part of the 20th Century, director Richard Garner promises a production that takes an intensely intimate look at personal convictions and the consequences that can follow when horrific deeds are carried out.

"Julius Caesar is very much the story of Brutus (Neal A. Ghant) who must weigh his loyalty to his country against his loyalty to his good friend Caesar," Mr. Garner said. "Brutus convinces himself that his deeds will ultimately benefit Rome. When that doesn't happen, when the 'dogs of war' are unleashed, he must reconcile what he has done in the name of his country."

In addition to Mr. Ghant, Julius Caesar features a cast of Atlanta's most esteemed actors including 2008 Suzi Award-winner (Best Actor) Joe Knezevich as head conspirator Caius Cassius, David Quay as Marc Antony, and Allen O'Reilly as Julius Caesar. They are joined by Eugene H. Russell IV (Octavious Caesar/Cinna), Brik Berkes (Decius Brutus), Allen Edwards (Casca), Bruce Evers (Soothsayer), Tess Malis Kincaid (Calphurnia), Susannah Millonzi (Portia), and Mason Cary (Young Lucius).

Currently celebrating his 24th season with the company, Mr. Garner most recently directed Georgia Shakespeare's critically acclaimed Titus Andronicus. In 2008, he staged a world-premiere musical adaptation of Antigone at Georgia Shakespeare and Sarah Ruhl's Eurydice (co-produced with the Alliance Theatre). Mr. Garner has been cited as one of Atlanta's most esteemed directors by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Creative Loafing, The Sunday Paper, the Atlantan and others. As an arts leader, he has been recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Georgia Theater Conference, the Flourish Award for Arts Leadership from Kennesaw State University, the ABBY Award for Outstanding Arts Professional from the Arts and Business Council of Atlanta and as a LEXUS Leader of the Arts in Atlanta.

Sets for Julius Caesar are designed by 2008 Suzi Award-winner Kat Conley (Best Set Designer). Costumes are designed by Sydney Roberts with lighting design by Mike Post and sound design by Clay Benning (Suzi Award for Best Sound Design, 2006).

Julius Caesar runs October 8 - November 1 at the Conant Performing Arts Center at Oglethorpe University. Performances are Thursdays thru Sundays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. and Saturday, October 24 at 2 p.m. There is no performance on Saturday, October 31. Tickets range from $15 - $45 with $12 preview tickets available for the October 8 performance. For more information, call 404.264.0020 or visit www.gashakespeare.org.

Discounted school group student matinees are available at 10 a.m. on select weekdays. For more information, contact the Georgia Shakespeare education department at 404.504.3422 or visit www.gashakespeare.org/education.