Julius X — Folger Shakespeare Library
2025
Folger Shakespeare Library
This bold new play takes Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Julius Caesar and reworks it through the lens of the American Civil Rights Movement, focusing on the story of Civil Rights leader Malcolm X and drawing parallels between ancient Rome and 1960s Harlem.
PHOTOS
PRESS
“Julius X is a production that challenges and engages, blending the past and present in a way that feels both urgent and timeless. Whether you’re a Shakespeare enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates bold storytelling, Julius X invites you to think critically about the stories we tell, the company we keep—and how we choose to remember them.” — Michael Woestehoff, The Washington Lobbyist
“Opening Folger Theatre’s season, mere months after the 100th anniversary of Malcolm X’s birth, Julius X invites the audience to bear witness and to take part in the struggle for equality and the dream of a better tomorrow.” — Em Skow, DC Theater Arts
“Director Nicole Brewer has assembled a dynamic cast, with Carter as the centerpiece, and the evening shifts deftly back and forth from Shakespearian language to the syncopations of modern poetry, jazz, and of course hip-hop.” — Andrew White, Broadway World
“Stylishly staged by Nicole Brewer.” — André Hereford, Metro Weekly
“A conglomeration of some of the finest performances this year.” — Drew Morris, Morris Theatre DC
DESIGNERS
Playwright: Al Letson
Director: Nicole Brewer Assistant Director: Lenox Kamara Choreographer: Shawn Short Scenic Designer: Jonathan Dahm Robertson Costume Designer: Danielle Preston Lighting Designer: Porche McGovern Sound Designer: Thom J. Woodward Projection Designer: Andrés Poch Dramaturg & Voice and Text Coach: John "Ray" Proctor Props Designer: Isabel Simoes de Carvalho Bassist: Tyson Demister Hair and Wig Design: LaShawn Melton Assistant Costume Designer: Regan A. McKay Composer: Elijah Woodward Fight Consultant: Sierra Young Production Stage Manager: Kelsey Nicole Jenkins
Assistant Stage Manager: Bryan Boyd Substitute Assistant Stage Manager: Daniel Niewoehner Production Assistant: Alexus Wells Cast: Brander Carter - Julius X Jonathan Del Palmer - Marc Anthony Jay Frisby - Cassius Lilli Hokama - Addara Shawn Sebastian Naar - Octavius and Marullus Greg Alverez Reid - Brutus Nikkole Salter - Calpurnia Gaelyn D. Smith - Cinna and Black Soothsayer Dwayne Alistair Thomas - Casca and Flavius Renee Elizabeth Wilson - Portia