Marin Shakespeare Company brings a Cold War-era Julius Caesar to Forest Meadows Amphitheatre this Friday, Aug. 14, kicking off a season that will also deliver a world-premiere adaptation of The Secret Garden to the company's downtown San Rafael theater in November, as detailed in a Pacific Sun season preview published Tuesday.
Artistic director Jon Tracy directs and reimagines Shakespeare's political tragedy, setting it in a Rome haunted by Cold War-era tensions. The company's production listing describes a fractured society under constant pressure, where loyalty shifts fast and private relationships carry national consequences. Tracy's staging places familiar Shakespearean speeches inside a world of rallies, surveillance and military posturing.
The production makes full use of the outdoor amphitheatre at 890 Belle Ave. on the Dominican University campus. A massive set takes over the entire stage and backstage area, built to accommodate crowd scenes and intimate moments alike.
Julius Caesar runs through Sunday, Sept. 13. Tickets range from $10 to $49. Each Saturday performance includes a "Kaleidoscope Talk" pre-show at 6:35 p.m.
Then in November, Tracy pivots from Shakespeare to Frances Hodgson Burnett. His world-premiere adaptation of The Secret Garden opens with preview performances Friday, Nov. 27, and Saturday, Nov. 28, at the company's 514 Fourth Street Theatre in downtown San Rafael, according to the Marin IJ's season announcement. The production runs through Sunday, Dec. 20.
Two San Rafael venues, two distinct productions. Season tickets are available at marinshakespeare.org.
Upcoming Marin Shakespeare Company dates:
- Julius Caesar at Forest Meadows Amphitheatre: Friday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Sept. 13
- The Secret Garden (world premiere) at 514 Fourth Street Theatre: Friday, Nov. 27 through Sunday, Dec. 20
