Paterson Joseph as Brutus
Featuring a distinguished cast of black actors and shot on location in the RSC's theatre at Stratford-upon-Avon, the setting of this production of Julius Caesar is a modern African state in which the tyrant Caesar is about to seize power.
As Cassius persuades Brutus to join the conspirators plotting an assassination, a vivid struggle for democracy unfolds as two men are united by an explosive act of political violence.
In the exclusive content below, delve behind-the-scenes of the production with our exclusive video, explore the histories of Julius Caesar on stage and page with Open University academic, Edmund G. C. King, then explore our learning resources about Shakespeare and the Roman Empire.
Visit the BBC Four pages to discover more, including a a blog entry from producer John Wyver.
Exclusive films
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Julius Caesar: From stage to screen
Watch this exclusive video about the making of the BBC film version of the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Julius Caesar
Watch nowJulius Caesar: From stage to screenLevel: 1 Introductory
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Julius Caesar and gender
Watch this exclusive video about the role of gender in the making of the BBC film version of the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Julius Caesar
Watch nowJulius Caesar and genderLevel: 1 Introductory
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Julius Caesar and the present moment
In this exclusive video, the director and producer of the BBC film version of the RSC's production of Julius Caesar talks about how it's relevant to the here and now
Watch nowJulius Caesar and the present momentLevel: 1 Introductory
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Julius Caesar and Africa
In this video, the spotlight is placed on the influence of African politics in the BBC film version of the RSC's Julius Caesar
Watch nowJulius Caesar and AfricaLevel: 1 Introductory
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Julius Caesar and acting
This exclusive video from the set of the BBC film version of the RSC's Julius Caesar focuses on the actors
Watch nowJulius Caesar and actingLevel: 1 Introductory
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Julius Caesar and the people
The role of the public is explored in this behind the scenes video from the RSC's production of Julius Caesar
Watch nowJulius Caesar and the peopleLevel: 1 Introductory
Useful articles
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Julius Caesar on stage and page
The histories of people reading, performing and witnessing Julius Caesar are surprisingly diverse. In this article, The Open University's Edmund King explains more
Read nowJulius Caesar on stage and pageLevel: 1 Introductory
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Shakespeare: A critical analysis
Is Shakespeare still relevant today? How does his work influence pop culture today? Do the themes of his plays continue to resonate with modern audiences or as a result of his legacy has he become a caricature of himself? Stephen Regan, accompanied by experts from the world Shakespeare congress examine Shakespeare ‘s work from a critical perspective, putting his plays in historical and social context as well as making a critical analysis of the broader questions of performance and audience interaction throughout history.
Listen nowShakespeare: A critical analysisLevel: 1 Introductory
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Happy birthday Shakespeare!
It has been over 400 years since Shakespeare died, but his works still 'play on' today. Explore the life, times and legacy of the Bard of Avon...
Read nowHappy birthday Shakespeare!Level: 1 Introductory
Watch the Shakespeare episode of The History of English in Ten Minutes from our iTunes team below:
Shakespeare: The man
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Imagining the Bard: William Boyd Interview
Acclaimed novelist and screenwriter William Boyd wrote a drama about William Shakespeare entitled "A Waste of Shame". His drama is based on academic research and clues in the sonnets. It brings to life the inner thoughts of the world’s greatest wordsmith, presenting Shakespeare to us as a man rather than a myth.
Read nowImagining the Bard: William Boyd InterviewLevel: 1 Introductory
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Shakespeare's family
Peter Thomson describes Shakespeare's family life.
Read nowShakespeare's familyLevel: 1 Introductory
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Shakespeare: Our contemporary?
Gill Stoker considers to what extent Shakespeare would be at home in our contemporary world.
Read nowShakespeare: Our contemporary?Level: 1 Introductory
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Hamlet and Elizabethan England
Explore the historical context of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' in Elizabethan England with Dr Hannah Lavery, Associate Lecturer at The Open University,
Read nowHamlet and Elizabethan EnglandLevel: 1 Introductory
Shakespeare: The work
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Shakespeare's sonnets
Katherine Duncan-Jones outlines the mystery behind Shakespeare's sonnets.
Read nowShakespeare's sonnetsLevel: 1 Introductory
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Getting to grips with Shakespearian language
Tony Hill of the Royal Shakespeare Company assists young people in accessing Shakespearian language by working through lines from Hamlet and understanding the meaning behind the text.
Listen nowGetting to grips with Shakespearian languageLevel: 1 Introductory
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Hamlet: "To be or not to be..."
Alex Jennings performs one of the most famous soliloquies from Shakespeare; Act 3, scene I: To be, or not to be: that is the question.
Listen nowHamlet: "To be or not to be..."Level: 1 Introductory
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Hamlet: Introducing the characters
Tony Hill of the Royal Shakespeare Company introduces the characters and plot of Hamlet to a group of New York high school students.
Listen nowHamlet: Introducing the charactersLevel: 1 Introductory
The Roman Empire
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Timeline of Roman occupation
An overview of the Roman occupation of Britain.
Read nowTimeline of Roman occupationLevel: 1 Introductory
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