Second Form Shakespeare Preview: Julius Caesar Presented by the Class of 2028

II Form is a time for  exploration and firsts, whether it is trying a new sport or joining an interesting club. Every year, the Lawrenceville Performing Arts Program hosts a II Form Shakespeare production where the entire cast and crew consists of II Formers. This performance happens in conjunction with the II Form English class that analyzes the same Shakespeare play in-depth. This year's selected Shakespearean epic is Julius Caesar. With opening night on Friday, February 21, the II Formers are working hard, both on and off-stage, to put together an amazing production. 

Stage Production Manager Katherine Saltarelli ’28 has witnessed the play coming to life once they began rehearsing on stage. The actors are not the only ones transforming the written words into a theatrical experience, as the light and sound team “ties the show together,” according to Saltarelli. Saltarelli’s job as Production Manager involves organization and quick thinking, calling cues, and understanding where all the actors need to be orientated for each scene. Not only did she learn team-management skills– II Form Shakespeare helped her connect with those  in the Dawes House. Saltarelli is “sad that rehearsals are going to end this week” because she met many II Formers that she otherwise would not have met through rehearsals. 

Georgina Aitken-Davies ’28, playing Cassius in Julius Caesar, is excited for the II Form to see the show. While she noted that some actors are “a little shaky on lines and entrances,” she believes that during the rest of tech week “they will be able to tighten the rest of the scenes.” Moreover, reading Julius Caesar in class helped her understand the play, Cassius, and other characters “in-depth.” Being a part of a production requires communication, and Aitken-Davies learned how to “compromise with others.” For example, when people forget their lines, Aitken-Davies learned how “to cover for each other” to allow the show to keep going. Her favorite scene is the classic moment where the conspirators stab Caesar to death. She likes how “there is a lot going on all at once” adding to the sense of confusion and fear that the students analyzed in English classes, and that this big moment is “really fun to play.” 

The production of Julius Caesar highlights an avenue for II Formers to be a part of the arts at Lawrenceville and is an exciting event for all, even if you are not a member of the II Form. The performance date for all other members of the Lawrenceville community is Saturday, February 22, so head to the Kirby Arts Center to see this bloody masterpiece!