Shakespeare’s Brutus stands as a dire warning to us, that the wrong thing, especially for the right reason, is always the wrong thing. Democracy would disappear from the West for two thousand years due to the actions of the seemingly well-intentioned conspirators. Shakespeare knew this and the play serves as a stern warning that even well-intentioned good people can do horrible things. To paraphrase Saint Pope John Paul II: Violence destroys the very thing it tries to create. We only need to look at our own history to know that non-violent change is the only lasting kind. Shakespeare, in his brilliance, was able to see the destructive power of political, personal and mob violence. The play is a vehemently anti-war and anti-violence statement. In these turbulent social and political times I am interested in how artists have interpreted the particularly American question: What does it means to live in a pluralistic democracy? Shakespeare’s play is more relevant than ever. Through drama and comedy we will explore the vast complexities this great country has to offer. Franz Kafka once said, “A book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us.” He thought that books and stories should literally “stab or wound us.” A fitting image when thinking of The Bard’s Caesar. I’m reminded of the story because this year in our Academy’s Performing Arts program, we are focusing on our beloved country. Second, I met William Shakespeare for the first time. First, that’s an example of being a great teacher. The memory stands out as so foundational to me for two reasons. The idiotic turn was met with a challenge from my teacher: I could either read “To Kill a Mockingbird” or “Julius Caesar.” He would quiz me on my choice by having a discussion. Some may know the story, but when I was in eighth grade I got in trouble for using liquid paper to graffiti my English teacher’s bookcase with the term “u suck.” I know-quite clever.
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