It’s a clever use of 21st century digital communications media. But does this new media serve Shakespeare’s message or distort it? That is the question. It’s a big one. And it can wait.
For now, let’s talk about the play.
The play opens with mob scene. Roman plebes press into a courtyard shouting out for “Caesar!” (Merri Rashoyan). When their living idol fails to appear, they shout louder and clap and stomp like angry Metallica fans. Cinna (Bryan Lewis) and Messala (Emily Bohn) try to reason with them. The two senators don’t get very far. When Caesar finally shows, the crowd goes wild. It’s a sharp snapshot of mindless mob psychology and the threat it represents.