UB Theatre and Dance presents 'Julius Caesar'

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The University at Buffalo Department of Theatre and Dance launches the spring semester with "Julius Caesar," Shakespeare’s epic tragedy which explores honor, ambition, betrayal, and the twist of fate that plunges Rome into war. This timeless political drama will be produced on the Mainstage in the Center for The Arts for one weekend only. There will also be one on school-time performance.

Caesar is a conquering hero and a respected leader who has brought glory to Rome. His ascent to power and the godlike status he achieves in the eyes of his citizens spark dissent among Roman Senators who fear for the future of the Roman Republic. The senators’ choices launch Rome into a bloody war whose outcome will shape the future of Rome for generations.    

This production of "Julius Caesar" will allow audiences to view the political turmoil of the historic play through a contemporary lens. “The time is here, and the place is now,” said faculty member and Director Danielle Rosvally, PhD, of her vision for the production. “A college reading group comes together to read this play, and glean from it what they can about its message. Shakespeare has been a voice in the darkness for generations – performed by the disenfranchised the world over in moments of political and social strife.  So here, at UB, my production witnesses students engaging with this tradition and seeking wisdom in Shakespeare’s words.”

“Caesar is a very timely piece,” said Rosvally, “a fact made obvious by the 2017 production in New York’s central park. It’s a piece that makes us examine government and governance, our role as citizens, and how we impact the world around us.” This play urges viewers to ask “What responsibility do we have when government doesn’t work the way it should?  How can we act reasonably, ethically, and soundly in moments of extreme political strife?” Through UB’s production of 'Julius Caesar,' Rosvally hopes that audiences will consider American and Global history, and reflect on these moments. Audiences can look forward to engaging with this reflection, and post-show discussions amongst themselves and their communities about how to further this engagement.

The cast of "Julius Caesar" are students at UB, including Jill Anderson, Emily Bassett, Anthony DeFeo, Mary DiCanio, Regan Dolan, Cassie Elkin, Taylor Hall, Sydne Jackson, Timiyah Love, Lauren Masterpolo, Sawyer Matheny,Campbell McDade-Clay, Michaela Pascuzzi, Anna Seidl, Louie Visone, and Gemini Zajac.

The play will be onstage for two nights, March 1^st and 2^nd on the Mainstage in the Center for The Arts. UB is also offering a school-time performance on Feb. 28.

Tickets for general admission are $20, students and seniors can reserve tickets for $10. To reserve tickets please contact the CFA Box Office at (716) 645-2787 or visit the website ubcfa.org. For general information contact (716) 645-6897.

The play is part of the UB CFA’s School Time Adventure Series, which offers affordable, age-appropriate productions with daytime performances. All performances are $8 per ticket, transportation monies are available. A study guide for highschool students is also available for this production. For On School-Time reservations and more information contact info@ubcfa.org or call (716) 645-6259.

GENERAL INFO:

DATES & TIMES:

Feb. 28: On School Time Performance

March 1: Doors 7:00 PM / Show 7:30 PM

March 2: Doors 7:00 PM / Show 7:30 PM

LOCATION:

UB Center for the Arts
Mainstage Theatre
Buffalo, NY, 14260

TICKETS:

$20 General Public
$10 Student/Senior Admission

CFA Box Office: 
(716) 645-2787

Groups Sales:                                    
(716) 645-0611

Charge by phone: 

1-877-987-6487

ubcfa.org/tickets or ticketfly.com

CONTACT:

Dr. Danielle Rosvally

Director, "Julius Caesar"

drosvall@buffalo.edu

Mike Formato

Production Manager, Theatre & Dance

Phone: (716) 645-0611

Email: formato@buffalo.edu

General Information:
(716) 645-6897