JULIUS CAESAR by Singapore Repertory Theatre

“Play it again, Sam.”

Reviewer: Christian W. Huber
Performance: 24 May 2018

Whilst sitting on the outdoor grounds of Fort Canning Park waiting for the commencement of Singapore Repertory Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park production of Julius Caesar, this reviewer is reminded of watching a baseball match live at a stadium. It is not so much about catching the game itself, but it’s an event for friends to gather and socialise over snacks and drinks.

However, in this instance, it is very clear once the drama begins that you’re there for the the play itself, too. Ideally staged at a heritage park with a hauntingly dark history, the piece effectively rouses the spirits as patrons are immediately swept into the drama unfolding onstage. The action takes place against the city lights, with the occasional revving of sports cars bragging its rights down the main road, and sirens going off to tackle an emergency. But even though these external elements are occasionally distracting, the audience remains generally attentive and engaged by the political chaos, bloodshed and horror that ensue after the main character’s assassination. “Let slip the dogs of war,” as Mark Anthony succinctly prophesises.

Directed by seasoned British director Guy Unsworth, this updated and very ‘now’ version of the production is bold. It stars a cast of largely local and Malaysian artists – a mixture of veterans and upcoming talents. The lead performers are generally strong (Julie Wee as Cassius and Daniel Jenkins as Casca deserve special mention for their wonderful managing of the text and its rhythm), but the diction of the more inexperienced supporting actors do make for an uneven performance for this reviewer. However, these grouses are few and far between.

The clever use of multimedia helps to communicate the chaos and fickleness of the people of R.O.M.E., a seven-nation coalition whose leaders have gathered for a summit. Whilst it feels a bit too TV-like at times for this reviewer, it is engaging overall. Watching Brutus’ and Mark Anthony’s speech (the one that begins with “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears…”) being played out on screens in real time highlights how easily public opinion can change in an instant.

There are not many productions out there that allows one to enjoy a picnic with friends whilst experiencing great storytelling at the same time. It is kudos to SRT for taking on the mammoth task of bringing back Shakespeare in the Park, what with the logistics and high costs involved. Even though it has now become a biennial (rather than annual) event, it still provides a platform for creative talents to continue to capture and present Shakespeare’s universal themes, and ensure that his works remain relevant and thought-provoking to the young generation of the times.