The Ides

An Original Reimagining of
William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar
Written and Directed by Michelle Newman

March 13-23, 2024

Shakespeare & Friends presents an original retelling of the Bard’s charged political drama, reimagined as a modern power struggle. The Ides will premiere in Landrum, SC and Asheville, NC this March.

Landrum, SC
March 13, 14, 15
Landrum Farmers Market

Asheville, NC
March 22, 23
The Hideaway

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  • Brutus: Aaron Ybarra
    Caesar: Robert Thorpe
    Cassius: Anthony Abraira
    Soothsayer: Paul Helou
    Marc Antony: Robert Penniger
    Calphurnia/Cinna/Octavius: Kailey Potter
    Lisa Ariola: Casca, Plebian
    Dakota Mann: Decius, Plebian
    Chris O’Connor: Carpenter, Metellus
    Jess Holderbaum: Cobbler, Trebonius
    Alannah Updegraff: Portia, Plebian
    Jennifer Monterisi: Cicero, Plebian

  • All performances start at 8 PM.

    House opens 30 minutes prior to showtime.

    Each performance offers open seating; come early to select your seat.

    The Ides will run approximately two hours with one ten-minute intermission.

    Join us after each performance for The Forum, offering refreshments and an informal talk back with the cast and crew.

  • Asheville performances will be held at The Hideaway, 42 Broadway Street. Paid parking is available along Broadway Street, or the nearby Rankin Avenue or College Street parking decks. A cash bar will be available.

    Landrum performances will be held at the Landrum Farmers Market at 103 N. Randolph Avenue. There is ample, free parking onsite.

  • The Ides contains all the mature themes from the original play, including violence, murder and suicide. This adaptation includes simulated knife violence. All ages will be admitted, but parental discretion is advised.
    There will be rapid light changes (no strobe effects) and video projections.

  • Additional photos, b roll, and interviews with the cast or director are available at any time. Please text or call Director Michelle Newman at 828-817-2897 for arrangements.

  • If you require additional details, please contact us.

The Ides breathes new life into William Shakespeare’s classic political thriller Julius Caesar, adapted and directed by Michelle Newman. The original adaptation reimagines the battles of Ancient Rome as the warring factions of a modern, corporate-run warehouse. Using Shakespeare’s language, The Ides tells a classic story within a contemporary frame recognizable to anyone following news of strikes, union busting, and corporate takeovers-or anyone who’s been on the picket line themselves.

The Ides is set in unconventional theater spaces in Landrum, SC and Asheville, NC for an immersive experience. The performance stars top talent from across the region, including Aaron Ybarra as Brutus. This production includes a contemporary soundtrack, video, and projections that further blur the bounds between Ancient Rome, Shakespeare’s England, and our day-to day.

How many ages hence shall this our lofty scene be acted over
In states unborn and accents yet unknown.