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BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE 1601 - 1602

ONE DICTATOR, WAY TOO MANY KNIVES!

CONTENT WARNING:

THIS PRODUCTION CONTAINS STAGED COMBAT, LOUD NOISES, FAKE BLOOD, AND ADULT LANGUAGE AND THEMES (AGE RECOMMENDATION IS 18+).

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HISTORICAL CONTEXT

CAST & CREW

ABOUT OUR SHOW

ABOUT THE COLLECTIVE

BIOS

DRINK SPECIALS

THANK YOU

DONATE

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

JULIUS CAESAR: THE AMBITIOUS POLITICIAN WHO UNDERMINED ROME’S REPUBLIC AND BETRAYED POMPEY Julius Caesar’s ambition was not solely for the glory of Rome—it was about personal power, and this ambition eventually led to the destruction of his relationship with Pompey, one of Rome’s greatest generals. Caesar’s rise was marked by his opportunistic alliances, and his partnership with Pompey, forged through the First Triumvirate, was no different. While initially successful, this alliance would ultimately show Caesar’s disregard for the values that had sustained the Roman Republic. The First Triumvirate was a political arrangement based on mutual benefit: Pompey sought land for his veterans, Crassus desired political power, and Caesar wanted military command and the consulship. Caesar’s political manipulation during this time served to elevate his personal standing, but it came at the cost of undermining the traditional checks and balances of Roman governance. As Caesar’s power grew, so did his sense of entitlement. The relationship between Caesar and Pompey began to fray as their interests diverged. Pompey, whose military conquests in the East had made him a hero in Rome, sought to maintain the traditional balance of power between the Senate and the military, believing in the preservation of Rome’s republican ideals. He had a deep loyalty to the Senate and its authority, while Caesar increasingly sought to bypass that authority in his pursuit of greater personal control. When Crassus died in 53 BCE, the delicate balance of the Triumvirate was shattered, and the tension between Pompey and Caesar became impossible to ignore. Pompey’s alliances shifted towards the Senate, which grew increasingly fearful of Caesar’s growing power. At the same time, Caesar, emboldened by his popularity with the people and his legions, saw the Senate and Pompey as obstacles to his vision for Rome. In 50 BCE, Caesar was ordered to relinquish his military command in Gaul, but he refused, recognizing that doing so would mean the end of his influence. The breaking point came in 49 BCE, when Caesar crossed the Rubicon River with his army, an act of defiance against the Senate and Pompey. This was not simply a political move—it was a declaration that Caesar would no longer play by the rules of the Republic. By taking such a drastic step, Caesar revealed his true ambition: not to serve Rome, but to dominate it. His decision to march on Rome was an open challenge to Pompey and the Senate, who represented the traditional governance of the Republic. Caesar’s actions threatened the very principles that had sustained Rome for centuries. Caesar’s rivalry with Pompey was rooted in a fundamental difference of vision: while Pompey sought to preserve Rome’s republican ideals, Caesar was willing to dismantle those ideals in pursuit of unchecked power. His refusal to compromise with Pompey, and his later defiance of the Senate, showed a clear disregard for the political systems that had once ensured Rome’s stability. Caesar’s ambition for personal supremacy was ultimately the cause of the civil unrest that would grip Rome, as it became clear that Caesar's vision of Rome was one of autocracy, not democracy. 3

CAST & CREW

CREW

CAST

ABOUT OUR SHOW Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar explores the nature of power, loyalty, and betrayal, focusing on a conspiracy that leads to the assassination of a powerful leader. In this production, we offer a fresh perspective by casting a female-presenting actor in the role of Caesar, inviting a new lens to explore themes of power and authority. While the play centers on the political intrigue of ancient Rome, it speaks to broader, timeless themes—particularly how women in positions of authority have historically faced resistance, often met with suspicion, sabotage, or even violence. This casting choice encourages reflection on the complex dynamics of power and the gendered struggles that persist in our world today. Focusing on the chorus of citizens and their manipulation by political figures, this production asks how we, as an audience, engage with those in power. Whose side are you on? As Caesar's fate unfolds, we invite you to consider the role of the people and the power they hold in shaping history. Captained by | Wyatt McCall Intimacy Coordinator/Co-Fight Captain | Mike Bevis Co-fight captain | Emily Sturges 6

ABOUT THE COLLECTIVE

GET TO KNOW THE CAST STEPHANIE NEUERBURG | Caesar (she/her) was last seen playing Isabella in OSSC's production of Measure For Measure. Other favorite roles include Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing (Montana Shakespeare), Juliet in Romeo & Juliet (A Crew of Patches), Anne Brontë in The Art of Sisters (Vision Productions), Ella in Ella Enchanted (Edinburgh Fringe Festival), and Sue Trinder in Fingersmith (Oregon Shakespeare Festival). Her original play Science Night was a national finalist for the John Cauble Outstanding Short Play Award at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. When not acting, you can see her performing her original poetry at open mics around the city and leading architecture boat tours with Shoreline Sightseeing. www.stephanieneuerburg.com

MARISA DEAN | Brutus (she/they) is thrilled to be making her OSSC debut. They are a Chicago-based actor & writer originally from Apopka, Florida, with a penchant for Shakespeare & creating new works. She holds a BFA in Acting from Ball State University. Recent highlighted credits include: POTUS (Dusty), Ensemble Company; Hamlet (Horatio U/S) + Much Ado About Nothing (Launce U/S), Great River Shakespeare Festival; The Little Prince (Little Prince), Ball State. In her free time, you can find Marisa going on long walks, knitting, & frequenting cat cafes. IG: @marisandean

GWYNETH CLARE | Marc Antony (she/her) is happy to be back with OSSC! She was last seen in Taming of the Shrew and Measure for Measure. Gwyneth is a graduate of Ball State University where she completed her BFA in Acting in 2020. When not RICHARD SEAN GLEN | Cassius onstage, Gwyneth enjoys reading (he/him) is thrilled to be making his books and talking about tennis. She Chicago theatre debut, Richard is an wants to give a special shout out to her actor hailing from the Pacific fiancé Lochlin for being her number Northwest. His previous credits include one support and coming to every the role of Hunter in Hooded, or Being single OSSC show! Lots of love! Black for Dummies for Theatre Battery (Kent, Washington), Gwo Gwo in Bad NICOLE MILLER | Calpurnia (she/her) Nicole is excited to make her Panda for Fantastic Z (Seattle, WA), Trip Goldstein in Welcome to Arroyo’s, Olde School Shakespeare debut in Julius Caesar! She graduated in 2020 and Citizen 6 in Citizen: An American with a BFA in acting from The Sargent Lyric; both for Sound Theatre Company (Seattle, WA). Richard holds Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University. Favorite stage a BFA in Theatre Arts from the credits include She Kills Monsters University of Idaho. (Kaliope/Kelly), Picnic (Flo), and Fahrenheit 451 (Alice).

GET TO KNOW THE CAST OLIVIA GREGORICH | Portia (she/her) is a storyteller, songwriter, thunderstorm-dancer, and wannabe dryad from the woods of Wisconsin. Most recently she appeared in a reading of Melanie Coffey’s "She Can Declare A Hurricane'" as part of the March series with Red Theatre and a scene for "Cut to the Chase" with The Artistic Home. She has served as a literary intern at Writer’s Theater and spent several summers with the Shakespeare Academy @ Stratford, CT ranging from student to resident artist to administrator. In recent years she has also worked as dramaturg and scene coach, adapting Shakespeare for Lawrence University’s mainstage productions of "Richard III" and "As You Like It." Olivia has also produced a local installment of the Climate Change Theater Action project and served several years as artistic facilitator for a recurring eco theater project hosted by a rural art center in her hometown to celebrate stewardship of local waterways. This year she is looking forward to finishing recording and releasing her debut solo EP as a songwriter, and keep an ear out for her folk band Soft Holler at the Logan Square Farmers Market this summer. She is very grateful to be part of this crew and process, and for all opportunities to gather, make art, and hug friends.

MIKE BEVIS | Flavius & Decius (Fight Choreographer and Intimacy Choreographer he/him) Mike is a theatre professional local to Chicago who primarily works on staged fights and intimacy. Mike has worked on "Macbeth," "Our Country's Good," "Beauty Queen of Leenane," and "Drowning Girls" for Three Crows Theatre, and "Taming of the Shrew" for Olde School Shakespeare Collective. He is happy to return to OSSC this time also as a performer. He hopes you enjoy the show. WYATT McCALL | Metellus Cimber (he/him) is an actor, writer, theatremaker, and co-founder of The Olde School Shakespeare Collective in Chicago, IL. Previous credits include Taming of the Shrew, Measure for Measure and Twelfth Night at The Olde School Shakespeare Collective, Hamlet and Much Ado About Nothing at Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, A Christmas Carol at Arrow Rock Lyceum Theater, Wonderland: Alice's Rock and Roll Adventure at Metro Theatre Company, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Musical at Maples Repertory Theatre. MAX LC | Casca (they/them) I'm Max LC. (End of Bio)

GET TO KNOW THE CAST DREW McCALL | Lucius (he/him) is a co-founder of the Olde School Shakespeare Collective and has served as the technical producer for the last two Olde School productions. He has performed in shows at the Annoyance Theater, iO, and The Playground Theater, where he also serves as the Production Manager. When he’s not performing or production managing, he spends his time a-slapping-dabass in his emo band, Kweelag. BEN HOUSE | Ensemble (he/him) is a Comedian/Actor in the Chicagoland area. You can catch him improvising with his Improv teams (Catbath, In Addition Improv, House Fire) around the city! He does all kinds of voices, just don’t ask him to do his own! EMILY STURGES | Ensemble & fight choreographer (they/them) is thrilled to be back in action with The Olde School Shakespeare Collective! Their debut with the company came back in 2022 with The Collective's inaugural performance of Twelfth Night, where Sturge played Sebastian. They are also a seasonal stunt performer at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. They graduated from the Webster Conservatory with a BFA in Musical Theatre. When not studying the blades, you can find them crocheting, dancing, and practicing Jiu Jitsu.

SOPHIE MURK | Swing (she/her) a local actor, teaching artist, and political organizer. She’s currently on a relational organizing team for the Progressive Turnout Project, working to get the vote out in 5 major swing states - so if you’re reading this, she wants you text a friend who lives in a swing state to remind them to make a plan to vote blue on November 5th. She is a certified ASTEP fellow and certified in Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead™️ work. Recent acting credits: Twelfth Night (OSSC), Junie B Jones (Young People’s Theater Chi), Gay Card (PrideArts), Merrily We Roll Along (Blank Theater Co), Titanic, As You Like It, A Christmas Carol (Milwaukee Repertory Theater), Daddy Long Legs (Awaken Theatre). LAURYN NELSON (Marketing Director) Lauryn has a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of music from DePaul University. Lauryn is a full-time opera singer and canva enthusiast. Taking on the role of Marketing Director, Lauryn has already grown a large following for the theater company. As she develops the "image" of The Olde School Shakespeare Collective, she hopes you want to follow along on the journey.

DRINK SPECIALS

$1 OF EVERY SPECIALTY DRINK SOLD WILL GO DIRECTLY BACK TO THE COLLECTIVE! SO DRINK UP AND ENJOY!

#1 THE IDES OF MARG #2 OLD REPUBLIC #3 THE MARC AN-TINI #4 MOJITOS OF THEIR FATE #5 BLOOD OF THE DICTATOR #6 THE FALL OF ROME #7 DROWNING CAESAR CLASSIC MARGARITA (ADD: STRAWBERRY, MANGO, BLACKBERRY, RASPBERRY)

HOMEMADE CITRUS INFUSED AMERICAN BOURBON FINISHED WITH AN ORANGE TWIST, A BING SOAKED CHERRY AND ONE BIG ASS CUBE!

REAL RASPBERRY ACCENT COMBINED WITH CITRUS, TROPICAL, & BERRY VODKAS. GET IT CLASSIC OR ASK YOUR BUDDY FOR THE FLAVOR ACCENTS (RASPBERRY, STRAWBERRY, BLACKBERRY, ETC..)

REAL RASPBERRY ACCENT STIRRED UP WITH SOCO BLACK WHISKEY & DARK RUM, GINGER BEER & LIME

REAL MANGO ACCENT, COCONUT VODKA, GIN, RUM AND TRIPLE SEC. TOPPED WITH SOUR & A SPLASH OF SWEET. REAL BLUEBERRY ACCENT, ALL-AMERICAN BOURBON, A SPLASH OF AMARETTO & BLUE CURACAO, TOPPED WITH LEMONADE

SPECIAL THANKS

My Buddy's offers more than mouth-watering food, handmade cocktails, and a phenomenal staff. They have SHOWS, SHOWS, SHOWS! They have stand-up Comedy, Bingo, Cabaret, Drag Extravaganzas, Karaoke, and more! Visit www.mybuddyschicago.com to see all that they have to offer! Thank you to our incredible donors who helped make the collective what it is today! Without your support, OSSC would not be where we are now.

David Murk Alina Laurie Will Higgins Cristina Gonzalez Lucas Riley heidi KettenrinG Michael Williams Zach Gimm Carl Bahneman Matthew Silar Madison Caudullo Patricia Lindstrom Kaitlin Smith Audry Napoli Sara Risley Dawn & Jim Burt Graham petter Kelli Lorey Elijah Warfield Anonymous X 10 Patrick Crowe Rachel Edwards Zoe Sjogerman And if you donated tonight or when you bought a ticket, THANK YOU! Your generosity and faith in us do not go unnoticed. We couldn’t do this without your help. So, thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!

DONATE Thank you for sharing a night of theatre with us! We are so grateful for the support of our community in this new and exciting endeavor. We have spent months planning this special night just for you, and we hope you enjoyed watching it as much as we enjoyed making it. If you are in a generous mood and have the means to donate, we are a new theatre company, and anything helps from $5 to $500. we appreciate your donations and your continued faith in our mission to bring Shakespeare back to the people where it belongs! Also, consider buying merch online. All merch is designed by our Marketing Manager Lauryn Nelson! Merch sales go directly to the creation of more shows like this one! Also, you can tip your performers! All cash tips go 100% to the actors on stage. Tips go a long way and are incredibly appreciated.

CLICK OR SCAN FOR MERCH CLICK OR SCAN TO DONATE

We love you from the bottom of our hearts - The Collective 15

Don‘t forget to tag us @OldeSchoolShakes on social media! THANK YOU

oldschoolshakescollective@gmail.com www.TheOldeSchoolShakes.com @OLDESCHOOLSHAKES