HISTORICAL CONTEXT
THE RISE OF JULIUS CAESAR: A VISIONARY LEADER FOR ROME'S FUTURE AND HIS STRUGGLE WITH POMPEY
Julius Caesar’s rise to power is a story of ambition, military genius, and a relentless drive to reshape Rome’s future. Born in 100 BCE, Caesar quickly demonstrated his talents as a military commander and political strategist. His victories in Gaul were nothing short of extraordinary, extending Roman control across vast territories and bringing immense wealth to the Republic. His military success not only elevated him as a hero in the eyes of the Roman people but also cemented his influence in the Senate.
In the early stages of his career, Caesar formed the First Triumvirate with two of Rome’s most powerful figures: Pompey the Great and Crassus. The Triumvirate was a political alliance built on mutual interests—Pompey sought land for his veterans, Crassus desired power, and Caesar aimed to secure the consulship and military commands that would elevate his status further. Together, they wielded unparalleled influence, pushing through reforms and shaping Rome’s future.
But as time passed, the relationship between Caesar and Pompey began to sour. Pompey, once a close ally, had a different vision for Rome’s future. He became increasingly aligned with the traditional senatorial elite, believing in the preservation of the established Roman power structures, while Caesar, increasingly popular among the people and his army, began to see the Senate’s dominance as an obstacle to his vision of a reformed Rome. Pompey’s loyalty to the Senate, in many ways, placed him at odds with Caesar’s growing populist agenda.
The tensions between the two men reached a breaking point after the death of Crassus in 53 BCE. Without Crassus to mediate, Pompey and Caesar’s differences became irreconcilable. Caesar’s influence in Rome continued to grow, while Pompey found himself aligned with the Senate, which feared Caesar’s rising power. Caesar’s refusal to relinquish his command in Gaul led to his crossing of the Rubicon in 49 BCE, marking a decisive break in their alliance. This act was not just about ambition—it was about Caesar’s belief in the need for strong, visionary leadership that transcended the limitations of the Senate.
Despite their rivalry, Caesar always viewed his struggle with Pompey as a battle for Rome’s future a future he believed should be shaped by the power of the people and the army, rather than the traditional aristocracy. Caesar’s vision of Rome was one where the people’s voice was heard, and military victories were the foundation of the Republic’s strength. His ongoing clash with Pompey was a necessary conflict to determine whether the future of Rome would remain in the hands of its elite or be transformed by a new, more inclusive system.
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
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
RICHARD SEAN GLEN | Cassius (he/him) is thrilled to be making his Chicago theatre debut, Richard is an actor hailing from the Pacific Northwest. His previous credits include the role of Hunter in Hooded, or Being Black for Dummies for Theatre Battery (Kent, Washington), Gwo Gwo in Bad Panda for Fantastic Z (Seattle, WA), Trip Goldstein in Welcome to Arroyo’s, and Citizen 6 in Citizen: An American Lyric; both for Sound Theatre Company (Seattle, WA). Richard holds a BFA in Theatre Arts from the University of Idaho.
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 onstage, Gwyneth enjoys reading books and talking about tennis. She wants to give a special shout out to her fiancé Lochlin for being her number one support and coming to every single OSSC show! Lots of love!
NICOLE MILLER | Calpurnia (she/her) Nicole is excited to make her Olde School Shakespeare debut in Julius Caesar! She graduated in 2020 with a BFA in acting from The Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University. Favorite stage credits include She Kills Monsters (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 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!
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.
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.
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
CLASSIC MARGARITA (ADD: STRAWBERRY, MANGO, BLACKBERRY, RASPBERRY)
#2 OLD REPUBLIC
HOMEMADE CITRUS INFUSED AMERICAN BOURBON FINISHED WITH AN ORANGE TWIST, A BING SOAKED CHERRY AND ONE BIG ASS CUBE!
#3 THE MARC AN-TINI
REAL RASPBERRY ACCENT COMBINED WITH CITRUS, TROPICAL, & BERRY VODKAS.
#4 MOJITOS OF THEIR FATE
GET IT CLASSIC OR ASK YOUR BUDDY FOR THE FLAVOR ACCENTS (RASPBERRY, STRAWBERRY, BLACKBERRY, ETC..)
#5 BLOOD OF THE DICTATOR
REAL RASPBERRY ACCENT STIRRED UP WITH SOCO BLACK WHISKEY & DARK RUM, GINGER BEER & LIME
#6 THE FALL OF ROME
REAL MANGO ACCENT, COCONUT VODKA, GIN, RUM AND TRIPLE SEC. TOPPED WITH SOUR & A SPLASH OF SWEET.
#7 DROWNING CAESAR
REAL BLUEBERRY ACCENT, ALL-AMERICAN BOURBON, A SPLASH OF AMARETTO & BLUE CURACAO, TOPPED WITH LEMONADE
SPECIAL THANKS
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
Cristina Gonzalez
Michael Williams
Matthew Silar
Kaitlin Smith
Dawn & Jim Burt
Elijah Warfield
Rachel Edwards
Alina Laurie Lucas Riley Zach Gimm
Madison Caudullo
Audry Napoli
Graham petter
Anonymous X 10
Sara Risley
Kelli Lorey
Patrick Crowe
Zoe Sjogerman
And if you donated tonight or when you bought a ticket, THANKYOU! 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! 14
