Julius X
History gets a Remix!
A swift and enthralling political thriller, Julius X portrays a life-and-death struggle for power in 1960’s Harlem. Inspired by Shakespeare’s Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Julius X is set in Harlem in 1965, and amalgamates the lives of Julius Caesar and slain civil rights leader Malcolm X.
Playwright and performance poet Al Letson weaves the text of Shakespeare with bits of African mythology, the history of the civil rights movement, slam poetry, and hip-hop beats into something completely new. This play is the second in a new genre of theatre created by Mr. Letson called the “Poetical”.
A poetical works like a musical, but instead of the characters breaking out into song the dialogue leads up to performance poetry. The poetry ranges from Shakespearian soliloquies to slam poems utilizing the entire cast. Alive with hip-hop dance, performance poetry and stunning actions, Julius X investigates the intoxicating effects of power and the danger of pride.
