ISU Theatre opens 2025-2026 season with Shakespeare’s timeless thriller, ‘Julius Caesar’

“Beware the ides of March.” “Et tu, Brute?” “There is a tide in the affairs of men.” You may be familiar with these famous phrases, all of which spring from the rich script of Shakespeare’s historical thriller, “Julius Caesar.” ISU Theatre’s staged reading of the classic play – which unfolds against the backdrop of ancient Rome – opens Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Fisher Theater before touring central Iowa.

A story of human relationships

Sophomore Abigail Keeton (’28 performing arts) is performing the show’s lead role of Brutus. As the play begins, the Roman politician Brutus is worried about the fate of the Roman republic. He fears that the powerful ruler Caesar will become a monarch. Though the play’s gripping storylines encompass broad themes of power, violence, and revolution, Keeton is also intrigued by the way “Julius Caesar” brings to life the intricate conflicts of the human heart.

“I’m enjoying playing with the nuances in Brutus,” Keeton said. “It would be easy to play to the heavily patriotic side of him, but it’s a lot more interesting to explore the conflicts he has between his love for his friends, family, and even Caesar, and his love for his country.”

Brad Dell, chair of the Department of Music and Theatre, is the production’s director. During the cast’s first read-through this fall, he said Iowa State students commented on the profound love they noticed among the characters.

“That observation struck me deeply,” Dell said. “‘Julius Caesar’ is often remembered for its politics – its interrogations of leadership, its questions of violence and revolution – but it is also a play about human relationships. Friends rely on one another, lovers worry for their beloved, leaders inspire action, and citizens rally for their community.”

From scrolls to iPads

ISU Theatre is presenting a streamlined version of “Julius Caesar” that has been adapted by Dell to preserve the essence of Shakespeare’s story and language.

“Nearly every word remains Shakespeare’s, but we have collaborated with him,” Dell said. “We reduced the cast of characters to 12, cut some scenes, and redistributed lines. The result is a lean, urgent ‘Julius Caesar’ that runs about 90 minutes.”

Audiences will also notice another modern adaptation on stage – iPads. When Shakespeare’s plays were performed at the Globe Theatre in the late 1500s and early 1600s, rehearsal periods were often short, Dell noted. It was not unusual for actors to carry scrolls of their lines and even incorporate them as props in performances.

ISU Theatre had a fast-paced turnaround this fall from auditions to opening night, and the production’s staged reading will embrace Shakespeare’s authentic practices with a twist.

“Our actors are using iPads as their modern-day scrolls – tools that keep the storytelling alive and immediate,” Dell said.

Shakespeare’s writing is ‘like music’

Jordan Harvey (’29 performing arts) plays the role of Julius Caesar. Harvey is a first-year student at Iowa State, and this will be his first ISU Theatre production.

“My experience so far has been so great,” Harvey said. “Everyone is so welcoming, and I immediately felt at home when I got here. Working on a production at Iowa State is a completely new experience and I see it as such a privilege to be surrounded by these talented individuals every night.”

Harvey said working with the Iowa State faculty is already helping him become a better actor.

“What I am most enjoying about preparing for the role of Julius Caesar is studying and understanding the complexities of his lines and Shakespeare’s writing,” Harvey said. “It’s like music in a way, hitting every necessary beat to make the lines entertaining and your character feel alive.”

ISU Theatre is also following Shakespeare’s lead by including contemporary costumes and a simple, functional set designed to support the story. This puts Shakespeare’s words in the spotlight and creates a connection between actors and audiences as the action spills beyond the stage to surround the Fisher Theater audience.

“The audiences can look forward to the unique way we are staging this show and how we are moving about our space,” Harvey said. “This cast is going to be right next to you, making you feel like a citizen of Rome. You can also look forward to the incredible acting coming from this cast ranging from Shakespeare newbies to experts and veterans.”

Cyclone Civics, showtimes, and ticket information

“Julius Caesar” is the first production in ISU Theatre’s 2025-2026 season. The season is highlighting works that help inaugurate the university’s new Cyclone Civics initiative, which champions civic education and engagement.

Showtimes are Oct. 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. in Fisher Theater. A special youth matinee will be held on Oct. 2 at 10:00 a.m. Visit the Iowa State Center website for details about its Youth Matinee series.

All tickets are general admission ($20 for adults; youth and ISU students free). Tickets can be purchased at the door, through the Iowa State Center Ticket Office (open Monday-Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.), or any Ticketmaster. Free youth and student tickets can be obtained at the door or in advance (recommended) through the Iowa State Center Ticket Office. For more information, visit theatre.iastate.edu.

Central Iowa tour dates can be found at theatre.iastate.edu. Admission varies based on venue.