African-American Shakespeare Company Opens JULIUS CAESAR

San Francisco's African-American Shakespeare Company continues its 2011-12 season with a thrilling production of William Shakespeare's JULIUS CAESAR. Set during the ongoing civil wars of West Africa, JULIUS CAESAR is not just a history play. At a time when partisanship has gone from bombast to blood sport, when patriotism and violence have become commingled, and when the people are so desperate for a leader they will follow anyone who promises them security while playing on their fears, the violent political struggles of Caesar are not history, they are nightly news. Full of passion and intensity, this potboiler about life and death political struggles tells us not only about the dead leaders we see etched in stone or live on TV each night, but also about the people who put them in power in the first place.

Directed by renowned actor and playwright Michael Gene Sullivan (San Francisco Mime Troupe) and featuring a small ensemble cast, African-American Shakespeare Company's version of JULIUS CAESAR highlights the similarities of the politicians who will say anything, and do anything, to win.

African-American Shakespeare Company was introduced in 1994 to create an opportunity and a venue for actors of color to hone their skills and talent in mastering some of the world's greatest classical roles. The company is dedicated to producing classic stage works from an African-American cultural perspective, providing opportunities and accessibility for minority artists and their communities to view these works in a manner that is inclusive of their cultural heritage. African-American Shakespeare Company has produced over 30 productions, toured to over 97 schools, and reached over 105,000 patrons through its main stage productions and arts education program.

SHOWS:        Opening: Saturday, March 10, 8pm

                        Sunday, March 11, 3pm

                        Saturday, March 17, 8pm

                        Sunday, March 18, 3 pm

                        Saturday, March 24, 8pm       

                        Sunday, March 25, 3pm

                        Saturday, March 31, 8pm

                        Sunday, April 1, 3pm 

WHERE:         Buriel Clay Theater at the African American Art & Culture Complex

                        762 Fulton Street (at Webster), San Francisco, CA

TICKETS:       For tickets ($10-$30) and information, the public can call 1-800-838-3006 or visit www.African-AmericanShakes.org

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