In a review of a new production of Julius Caesar, the reviewer noted the play’s unique role among Shakespeare’s works. Perhaps more than any of his other plays, Julius Caesar is many high school students’ first brush with Shakespeare. The reviewer liked, but did not love, the production, and in her assessment I found myself returning to the question of why this is the work that high schoolers study to learn about Shakespeare. The challenges that face directors and actors, as well as student readers, make it a curious choice for representing Shakespeare’s entire cannon.

Obviously, a play like Cymbeline would never make the cut because, love it or hate it, its structure is far from standard. Also, plays where the textual integrity is under question are poor choices as representative works. Still, Julius Caesar is a tricky piece, requiring highly able actors and directors (as evidence, see the highly profitable but critically execrated Broadway production starring Denzel Washington from a few years ago). A play whose protagonist is questionable (the title character is actually only a supporting role) and whose biggest scene occurs at the halfway point is a challenging undertaking for the best of teachers and students. Perhaps one explanation for Caesar’s triumph over King Lear and the Henrys is the historical angle. The play offers a cross-disciplinary tie-in to World History curriculum, not just for Roman studies, but for larger political questions as well. In this light, a blond Dane with mommy issues seems like a lightweight by comparison.

Posted Mon, 13 Aug 2007 13:54:19 and filed under Julius Caesar, Henry V, Cymbeline. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.