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Title details for Julius Caesar by Stella Gonet - Available

Julius Caesar

A BBC Radio Shakespeare production

by Stella Gonet
William Shakespeare
Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
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1 of 1 copy available

In this BBC full-cast production, Julius Caesar is triumphant after his victory over the sons of Pompey. But as bad omens and weather plague Rome, even his most loyal friends are starting to see the signs...
Political intrigue and fierce battle rage in this tense and dynamic production in which a country is torn apart under the legacy of Julius Caesar, 'the colossus'.
Gerard Murphy, Stella Gonet, Samantha Bond and Nicholas Farrell star in Shakespeare's turbulent Roman history.
BBC radio has a unique heritage when it comes to Shakespeare. Since 1923, when the newly-formed company broadcast its first full-length play, generations of actors and producers have honed and perfected the craft of making Shakespeare to be heard.
In this acclaimed BBC Radio Shakespeare series, each play is introduced by Richard Eyre, former Director of the Royal National Theatre. Revitalised, original and comprehensive, this is Shakespeare for the modern day.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    December 1, 2004

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781405697743
      • File size: 67423 KB
      • Duration: 02:20:27

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      With a few useful sound effects to set the stage--a fanfare of trumpets, the clash of swords or thunder--and a few sections summarized to ease the transition from stage to radio, this CBC production is quite accessible. Early on, the production is somewhat muted; lines are delivered more quietly, and less anxiously, than one might expect when murder and portents are being discussed. However, the later sections are striking. The complex crowd scenes come through clearly, and Mark Anthony's famous "Friends, Romans, countrymen" speech at Caesar's funeral is delivered in rich tones that wring from it every ounce of irony and drama. G.T.B. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine
    • AudioFile Magazine
      The challenge of Julius Caesar isn't just historical; it is intensely political. The play's primary scenes address civic virtue; their success depends on their communicating the conflicting currents in Caesar's very lively Rome (and Shakespeare's equally active England). Happily, this production succeeds in all of these areas. The entire cast is strong, and Adrian Lester plays Mark Antony with genuine power. Even if you've heard it before, his delivery of the famous "Friends, Romans, countrymen" speech should stop you in your tracks. What's more, the potentially confusing crowd scenes aren't merely clear (listeners can actually tell who's speaking) but work dramatically, an achievement that isn't easy in audio productions. G.T.B. [Selection from The Complete Arkangel Shakespeare set.] (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine
    • AudioFile Magazine
      Part of L.A. Theatre Works' The Play's the Thing series, this production is a stellar example of the ensemble's talent. There's a perfect balance between human voice and background music/sound effects. The all-American cast provides a fresh and equally professional approach to this classic, which is typically performed by British actors. In addition, the production quality is excellent; the depth of the "stage" seems apparent as audiences hear actors at different volume levels, which helps to suggest their proximity to the main character in each scene. Overall, JULIUS CAESAR is a wonderful addition to any audio theater library. R.A.P. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine
    • AudioFile Magazine
      Stacy Keach's quietly sonorous voice is perfectly suited to the introspective Brutus in this fine full-cast recording. John de Lancie, too, is excellent as Cassius, though Richard Dreyfuss is less convincing in the role of Antony. He doesn't quite capture the restrained outrage of Caesar's most loyal friend, or the irony of his famous funeral oration. At times, it sounds as though the director has rushed the actors in this recording, and the many crowd scenes are a bit awkward, sounding more like scenes of football fans than plebeians. Overall, though, this recording can't help but succeed on the strength of its all-star cast. D.B. (c) AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine
    • AudioFile Magazine
      In this classic play, Brutus grapples with his own loyalties--is he devoted to Rome or to Caesar? How best to serve one's homeland? This production works a kind of magic, lending realism to the struggles within. Ambient background noise creates three-dimensional scenes without overwhelming the actors, whose understanding of the material makes the timeless prose contemporary. The play offers a fast pace; thankfully, the performers' phrasing and superb enunciation keep the listener close. Especially enjoyable are the moments that have transcended time to remain a part of our language and culture. For example, we are reminded that Ò[c]owards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.Ó L.B.F. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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