The play "Caesar and Cleopatra" by George Bernard Shaw unfolds entirely within the ancient land of Egypt. Here, the backdrop of a political power struggle intertwines with the personal development of its titular characters, Julius Caesar and Cleopatra. Shaw uses historical locations to underscore themes of leadership and transformation, crafting a rich tableau against which the drama of human ambition and instruction is played out.

Egypt as a Stage

All action within the play takes place in the historic region of Egypt, which serves as the central stage for the unfolding drama. When Caesar, the formidable Roman general, follows his adversary Pompey to Egypt, he becomes embroiled in a domestic conflict between the young Queen Cleopatra and her brother, Ptolemy. Caesar’s decision to support Cleopatra against Ptolemy sets the stage for a civil war that provides a secondary conflict within the narrative. This setting offers a vibrant canvas where political intrigue and personal evolution merge.

The Heart of Alexandria

Acts two through four transport the audience to Alexandria, the bustling capital of Egypt, where the crux of the action is set during Ptolemy's siege against Caesar and Cleopatra. Within this context, Caesar takes on the role of a mentor, endeavoring to mold Cleopatra into a formidable ruler. Shaw contrasts the grandeur of Cleopatra's palace in Alexandria with the opulence of a wealthy British industrialist's domicile, underscoring Cleopatra's regal potential. The palace, thus, becomes a dynamic space where Cleopatra's leadership capabilities are honed under Caesar's tutelage.

The quay outside Cleopatra's palace stands as a pivotal location in Act 3. Here, Cleopatra's determination and wit come to the fore as she defies the Roman guards' restrictions by having herself smuggled in a carpet to Caesar's headquarters at the lighthouse. This act of clever defiance allows her to join Caesar, setting the stage for their collaborative rule and friendship. By the play's final act, the quay serves as the backdrop for Caesar's farewell, symbolizing both an ending and a new beginning for Cleopatra.

The Lighthouse Stronghold

The lighthouse, functioning as a critical fortification at Alexandria's harbor entrance, is where Caesar and his soldiers establish their base in Act 3. It is strategically placed to secure their line of retreat, should it become necessary to withdraw from Egypt. This location is emblematic of Caesar's tactical acumen and serves as a refuge where he and Cleopatra consolidate their power amidst the turmoil of siege.

At the Foot of the Sphinx

The iconic Sphinx, positioned near Giza, serves as the setting for Caesar and Cleopatra's first encounter in Act 1, Scene 2. This ancient monument, with its enigmatic human face and lion's body, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and ambition. Shaw imbues it with symbolic weight, representing the concept of "supermen" and "superwomen" as drivers of human progress. It is here, at this awe-inspiring site, that Caesar, cast as a superman at his zenith, meets a fledgling Cleopatra, whom he sees as a potential superwoman. Their meeting marks the beginning of Cleopatra's transformation from a fleeing queen to a ruler in her own right, guided by Caesar's insightful teachings.

Cleopatra's Syrian Border Refuge

In the play's initial scene, before the entrance of its main characters, the audience encounters Cleopatra's secondary palace on Egypt's border with Syria. This location serves as her retreat amid the conflict with her brother, Ptolemy. The palace courtyard is the setting for commentary by the guards, who draw unfavorable comparisons between the efficiency of the British and the Romans. This scene, while devoid of the primary characters, sets the tone for the military and political tensions that underpin the narrative, providing a broader context of the world in which Cleopatra and Caesar must navigate their ambitions.