The department of fine and performing arts’ production of “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,” written by William Shakespeare, ran from April 13-16, and received a large audience turnout than ever before on campus.

“It was a very successful run,” said Director James Winter, assistant professor of acting. “We did sell out the first two performances and we had much larger Friday, Saturday and preview crowds than we are generally accustomed to.”

While the play’s text remained faithful to the original language, there was a twist on the Shakespearian classic. Winter took the setting, costumes and genders of the characters and molded them into his own interpretation. Male characters were changed into female characters, allowing the actresses in the theatre program to have an equal chance of obtaining a role.

The setting was an interpretation of Rome in decay, with the government slowing declining. A collaboration of student designers was formed to bring Winter’s vision to life.

“It was a lot of different minds and opinions working towards a common goal and I think that’s what theatre is or should be, a gumbo of people from all types of backgrounds, levels of experience, age and specialties,” said Zachary Boudreaux, who played the role of Julius Caesar. “We had very strong leadership and an extremely professional cast so it was a fantastic experience. Probably the closest to professional theatre the department has ever come to.”

Along with the urban industrial set onstage, actors used the whole theatre as well during the play. This allowed the audience to become part of the play’s world. At times, the characters would speak their monologues towards individuals or the audience as a whole. Actors playing citizens also kept the audience alive with doing a majority of their role amidst the crowd.

“Audiences seemed to enjoy it, the thing to remember is it is Shakespeare,” said Boudreaux. “Modern audiences expect much more visually than they did 400 years ago so it’s always a challenge to keep it interesting and keep audience members engaged.”

The actors had the challenge of preparing their role not only how Shakespeare wrote it, but also how Winter envisioned the direction of the play.

“To prepare for the role of Caesar I read a lot about Julius Caesar as a historical figure and the chronicles of his campaign, The Gaelic Wars,” said Boudreaux. “I combined that background with what creative direction we were trying to go in, with it being a modernish empire in decay.”

Audience members shared that Winter’s vision was one they will always remember.

“I am a huge Shakespeare fan, and have seen many takes on Julius Caesar,” said Katherine Caldwell, a resident of Hammond. “Tonight’s play was like no other I have seen. I felt like I honestly could not keep my eyes off the stage for one second, which is weird for me. It was amazing.”