Political Intrigue is Center Stage with Aquila's Julius Caesar

Media Contact:

Kristen Gleason
Director of Marketing
The Paramount Theater
215 East Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434.979.1922 ext. 103
kristen@theparamount.net

For Immediate Release

September 18, 2007

William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar follows the epic story of the rise and fall of one of the world’s most notorious leaders. Set in a world of political intrigue and strained domestic relationships, the production explores the moral and political dilemma of Marcus Brutus. Should he join the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar, conquering hero and his trusted friend? Or should he allow one man’s tyrannical ambition to overcome the very ideals that Rome was founded upon? The choice that Brutus makes has the power to destroy the old world order and ignite a fierce civil war.

Performed by the highly-acclaimed Aquila Theatre Company, the compelling events of this timeless drama ask the audience to consider the price of democracy and freedom and the consequences that can befall a society when asked to defend its core beliefs.

Aquila will bring their bold and original production of Julius Caesar to The Paramount Theater for one performance only on Tuesday, October 2 at 8 pm. This performance is funded through Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation’s Mid Atlantic Tours Program in partnership with the National Endowment of the Arts Regional Touring Program.

Aquila Theatre Company is a company of British and American artists dedicated to classical drama. Founded in London in 1991 by Peter Meineck, Aquila is now based in New York City. Called “an extraordinary, inventive and disciplined outfit” by The New York Times, the ensemble creates stylistic adaptations focusing on the major themes of the story.

Aquila has won international recognition with their work for the National Endowment of the Arts Shakespeare in American Communities program, a special performance at the White House; runs in New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C.; and appearances at Shakespeare festivals around the world. It is the company’s mission to bring “the greatest work to the greatest number” in productions that are visceral, challenging, and above all, entertaining.

Julius Caesar will be staged using the company’s renowned aesthetic -- excellent acting, crystalline verse-speaking, original music, and innovative design. Committed to communicating Shakespeare’s poetry with clarity and finesse, the ensemble believes many of the answers to interpretation are directly contained within The Bard’s language -- when fully explored and understood. As stated by Meineck, Aquila “articulates the human essence inherent in classical drama.”

Aquila invites audiences to lose themselves in a night of Shakespearean entertainment -- delighting those experiencing the play for the very first time and uncovering new treasures for those who love the Bard’s great works.

While in Charlottesville, an educational performance of Julius Caesar will be offered to high school students earlier that day at 10:30 am. For more information or to obtain seats for a school group, educators should contact The Paramount at 434.979.1922 ext.100 or education@theparamount.net.

Tickets for Aquila Theatre Company’s 8 pm performance of Julius Caesar on October 2 are $42.50, $45.50, $48.50, and $53.50. A Youth/Child price of $30.50 is being offered for those aged 12 and under. Students of all ages may obtain half-price student rush tickets at the Box Office with a valid ID 45 minutes prior to the show. Group discounts are also available.

Tickets are available online through The Paramount’s Box Office at 434.979.1333.

For more information about The Aquila Theatre Company please visit www.aquilatheatre.com.