Julius Caesar 1922

  • Meet the Cast – Julius Caesar 1922

    Lauren Graffigna – Portia, Varro

    You may have seen Lauren Graffigna portray Lady Macduff in MACBETH at the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival, or Segismundo in LIFE IS A DREAM at Sacramento City College or Horatio in HAMLET at Sacramento State University where she graduated with degrees in Organizational Communications and Theatre. She has also been involved in the One Act Festival at the Big Idea Theatre and the B Street Theatre’s 24-Hour Plays. Come and say “hi” to Lauren the next time you are visit the B Street Theatre where she works in the Box Office.

    Photo by Bruce Clarke

    Jake Brooks — Casca

    This is Jake’s third go-round with Sac Shakes after his roles as Charles/William in AS YOU LIKE IT in 2011 and Murderer in MACBETH in 2023. He also just finished playing Demetrius in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM at Resurrection Theatre. Other notable roles are Gary in SISTER MARY IGNATIUS… (Ovation Stage), Max in CABARET (CSUS), the Very Interesting Man in EURYDICE (City Theatre), and Leon Czołgosz in Stephen Sondheim’s ASSASSINS (River Stage). His favorite play was ROBIN HOOD at CSUS because backstage he met his wonderful partner of 12 years, Dechelle (also he got to learn some sick bo staff moves). On weekends, he works at The Lucas Winery in Lodi.

    Photo by Bruce Clarke

    Matthew Malone – Octavius

    Matthew is thrilled to play the role of Octavius. He has acted with the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival since 2012, with previous roles including MACBETH/Witch, SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE/Sam, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS/Dr. Pinch, and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM/Flute. Matthew edits The Galt Herald and Elk Grove Citizen newspapers, and he spends his free time reading books, studying French and baking sweet treats.

    Photo by Bruce Clarke

  • Julius Caesar 1922 Opens July 5

    “Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears.” ~ Marc Antony

    Jealous conspirators convince Caesar’s friend Brutus to join their assassination plot against Caesar. To stop Caesar from gaining too much power, Brutus and the conspirators kill Caesar on the Ides of March. Mark Antony drives Brutus and the conspirators out of Rome, and there is war.  Still Shakespeare’s original text, but set in 1922 Italy, as the rise of fascism propelled Italy toward World War II. A cautionary tale?

    Sacramento Shakespeare Festival presents Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, from July 5 through July 28. Julius Caesar opens Friday, July 5 at 7:30 pm, followed by a sparkling dessert reception in the Chris Daubert Courtyard for the Arts (all are welcome). Performances continue on July 6, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 at 7:30 pm, and July 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 2:00 pm. All performances will be held in the Art Court Theatre in the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Sacramento City College at 3835 Freeport Blvd. Ticket prices for Julius Caesar are $20 General Admission; $15 for Seniors, Veterans/Military Personnel, and Persons with Disabilities, and $10 for Students. Tickets may be purchased online, or in-person one hour before the performance begins. All details and tickets are available online at www.sacramentoshakespeare.net.

    Phoenix Brewer as Caius Cassius, Matthew Malone as Octavius Caesar, Juliuanna Schultz as Calpurnia, Sarah Palmero as Julius Caesar, & Matthew Fairall as Marcus Brutus. Photo by Bruce Clarke.
    Matthew Malone as Octavius Caesar, Sarah Palmero as Julius Caesar & Julianna Schultz as Calpurnia. Photo by Bruce Clarke.