Northern Illinois University Stages ‘Julius Caesar’ from Oct. 10

The Northern Illinois University (NIU) School of Theatre and Dance will kick off its 2025-2026 season with performances of the historical tragedy “Julius Caesar.” The production is scheduled to run from October 10 to October 18, 2025, at the Black Box Theatre located in the NIU Stevens Building in DeKalb, Illinois.

“Julius Caesar,” originally penned by William Shakespeare, chronicles the political conspiracy that leads to the assassination of the Roman emperor and the ensuing civil war. The cast features prominent roles played by Antonio Horn as Caesar, Skylar Thompson as Mark Antony, Kayla Crispino as Brutus, and Sophia Dimond as Cassius. The production will be directed by Kay Martinovich, Ph.D., an associate professor at NIU.

Talkback Session
An interactive talkback session will take place following the performance on October 11. This event will be moderated by Gibson Cima, Ph.D., who serves as NIU’s associate professor and head of theatre studies. The session aims to engage the audience in a dialogue about the themes and interpretations presented in the play.

Martinovich emphasized the importance of representation in theater, stating, “In my work directing Shakespeare, I am interested in offering women the opportunity to play some of the Bard’s most iconic roles.” In this adaptation, both Brutus and Cassius are portrayed by women, along with many other conspirators, showcasing a modern twist on the classic narrative.

The director also mentioned that this adaptation draws inspiration from a version provided by her friend Matt O’Brien, who revised it based on Orson Welles’ influential 1937 production. Martinovich expressed her vision for the performance, hoping it will “bridge the past with the present” and resonate with contemporary audiences.

Performance Schedule
Evening performances are set to begin at 19:30 on October 10, October 11, October 16, and October 17. Additionally, there will be matinee shows at 14:00 on October 12 and October 18. Tickets are available for purchase online at go.niu.edu/arts-tickets.

For more information regarding the production, including ticket details and performance updates, visit niuarts.com/caesar. The upcoming performances of “Julius Caesar” promise to offer a thought-provoking interpretation of Shakespeare’s work, engaging audiences with its timeless themes of power and betrayal.