Shakespeare's grand tragedy of assassination and what comes after is notable for the title character being killed at the top of Act 3 - it's more about the world created by the tyrant as it is about him as a central character. Caitlin Baker's production captures this in a modern production - the suited entourages finding quiet spaces to plot and plan, the cynical creation of a public consensus and the manipulation that switches that consensus in seconds - and the flailing hoplessness that comes afterwards. It captures complex realpolitik in real time, moment by moment, up close and very personal.
Central to the production is Lachlan Ruffy's performance as Brutus - brooding and thoughtful, tempted to action by strong rhetoric and appeals to his intellectual honour but unable to see how he's being manipulated. Yanina Clifton as Cassius is cold fire, sharp and precise in her attack, knowing just what argument to make up until the point when all her smarts fail her and she's left to an ignoble end. Colin Giles seizes his moment in the funeral centerpiece, passionate and powerful as Mark Antony, compelling the audience with his passion and soul. Michael Sparks has the capricious power of a true Caesar, imposing and confident up until the point where he falls to arguments to go to the forum and his ultimate fate. Karen Vickery as Casca is clear, determined and wily as she switches sides in an instant, confidently serving whoever suits her best. Amy Kowalczuck as both Brutus and Caesar's wives gives emotional support in attempts to steer both men away from their predetermined fate and gets an all-too-rare opportunity to unleash her powerful singing voice in the second act. Joshua James gets a double as both the servile Lucius and the arrogant Octavius, and there's strong support from Paris Scharkie as Decius and Sophia Mellink as Cimber.
Baker's set design is a simple catwalk that uses both ends strongly, bringing different areas into focus under Lachlan Houen's sensative lighting. Paris Sharkie's composition gives the show a strong musical backbone, keeping the tension moving.
In short this is a powerful production of a classic - leaving the audience shaken as the price of rebellion without thought to what comes after is laid bare - as those who have no thought beyond the initial threat find themselves steamrolled by the circumstances they have created.