Julius Caesar: Act 3, Scene 3

When we last left Julius Caesar, Mark Antony had just used the power of judiciously-applied over-the-top rhetoric to mobilize a mob of murderous citizens bent on revenge. Let's see how that goes!

Poor old Cinna.

The RSC commissioned Tim Crouch to write a series of short solo plays highlighting some of Shakespeare's minor characters, including I, Cinna (the Poet), a video of which is available to watch online. I haven't actually watched it yet because I don't need that kind of angst in my life right now, but you should give it a look!

Julius Caesar: Act 3, Scene 2 (part 4)

OK! Enough holiday shenanigans. Let's get back to Julius Caesar. If you remember, when we last left Antony, he was in the midst of making the speech of his life, having just exposed the bleeding body of Caesar to the extremely easily persuaded mob. 

Apparently Caesar's gift to Rome's citizens was indeed part of his will. However, in this scene it almost seems as if Antony has made it up himself in order to further whip the citizens into a frenzy. I wouldn't put it past him, the smooth talker....

Shakespearean New Year's Resolutions, part 5

HAPPY NEW YEAR! It's time for another round of Shakespearean New Year's Resolutions! 

Here are some resolutions from past years:

And I just realized that this is going to be my FIFTH YEAR drawing Good Tickle Brain! I started back in September of 2013. That's crazy. Thanks for sticking with me through another year of Shakespearean silliness. Here's to many more! 

Shakespearean Christmas Carols, part 4

The holidays are upon us! Celebrate by substituting the words to your favorite carols with these decidedly more Shakespearean verses:

Be sure to check out my other Shakespearean Christmas Carols: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. 

I'm taking the next week off, but look forward to being back here with you as we stagger into 2018 together! Happy holiday(s) of your choosing!

Julius Caesar: Act 3, Scene 2 (part 3)

Oh, I'm sorry. Did you think Antony's speech-making ended after the whole "friends, Romans, countrymen" bit? Oh no. Oh no he's JUST GETTING STARTED.

Mark Antony: master of mass emotional manipulation.

Julius Caesar: Act 3, Scene 2 (part 2)

HERE IT IS. THE LINE. THE SPEECH. 

You probably had to memorize this speech for school sometime, but don't let that put you off it. It's actually a REALLY GOOD SPEECH. There are lots of fun versions of it on YouTube. Here's Marlon Brando from the 1953 film:

Julius Caesar: Act 3, Scene 2 (part 1)

OK, let's get those speeches started! First we have Brutus's prose preaching:

It's kind of a pity Brutus's speech is often overshadowed by The Big Speech that follows it, because it's really very good. You 100% believe Brutus's sincerity and good intentions. Too bad he didn't listen to Cassius about Antony...

Speaking of Cassius, we never hear what he says to the angry mob he is delegated to speak with. What did he say? Was he as convincing as Brutus? Did it work to placate the mob or did they throw tomatoes at him? Theories on the back of a postcard, please. 

Julius Caesar: Act 3, Scene 1 (part 4)

OK, let's wrap up the Assassination scene so we can move on to the Everyone Making Big Speeches scene. 

I love the Servant who comes on here and has an emotional breakdown at the sight of Caesar's body. One of the better spearcarrier roles in Shakespeare, in my opinion. 

Tune in next week for SPEECHES! Lots of SPEECHES! They're REALLY GOOD SPEECHES.