Explore this Show
Overview
Synopsis
In George Bernard Shaw’s Caesar and Cleopatra, the aging Julius Caesar meets teenage Cleopatra by chance one night under the Egyptian moon. There is turmoil in Egypt; civil war has torn the nation in two as Cleopatra and her younger brother vie for the throne. Caesar does his best to help the young queen grow into a great ruler, one that favors wisdom, honor, and clemency as a means of governance. But as Egyptian insurgents besiege the palace at Alexandria, Caesar might not be able to keep the country together or even escape Alexandria alive -- let alone the greater challenge of managing the headstrong Cleopatra. Caesar and Cleopatra, a less known work from one of the 20th century’s most popular playwrights, is an exploration of power, politics, vengeance, and mercy.
Show Information
- Book
- George Bernard Shaw
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 5
- First Produced
- 1906
- Genres
- Historical/Biographical
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- October 48 B.C. - March 47 B.C. Egypt
- Cast Size
- large
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Ensemble Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Star Vehicle Male, Includes Mature Adult, Late Teen, Young Adult, Adult, Early Teen, Elderly Characters, Large Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Spoken |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
Sorry! We do not currently have terms for this guide.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
