null It was over a year ago that we first told you about the Royal Shakespeare Company production of Julius Caesar that was to feature a cast made up primarily of actors-of-color, set in an "African state".

Now you can own a DVD copy of the production, which aired on the BBC back in June.

From the RSC website:

Set in a modern African state, this fast-moving political thriller is a vivid portrayal of a struggle for democracy and also a love story between two men united by an explosive act of political violence as the tyrant Caesar is about to seize power.

The film includes the original distinguished cast of black actors including Paterson Joseph as Brutus, Ray Fearon as Mark Antony, Cyril Nri as Cassius, Adjoa Andoh as Portia and Jeffery Kissoon as Caesar, and was shot by Illuminations on location and also in the theatre at Stratford-upon-Avon for this screen version. In addition, the DVD includes The Making of Julius Caesar documentary featuring interviews with key cast and crew. The option for subtitles will also be available.

This filmed version was aired on BBC 4 in June 2012 as part of the BBC's Shakespeare Unlocked season, and was created in collaboration with the BBC and Illuminations. This follows on from the successful broadcast of BBC Two's Hamlet adaptation filmed by Illuminations and starring David Tennant, based on the RSC production also directed by Gregory Doran, which was watched by over 980,000 viewers when it was screened on Boxing Day in 2009

The original RSC production of Julius Caesar opened in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon in June 2012 to critical acclaim as part of the World Shakespeare Festival, produced by the RSC with BP as its Founding Presenting Partner, as part of London 2012 Festival. It then transferred to the Noel Coward Theatre in London before touring around the UK, and will also perform at the Moscow Art Theatre in November. It is hoped there will be further international tour dates announced.

Paterson Joseph

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