back to archives Caligula
Directed by
Chris Annas-Lee and Seth Simons
December 10-12, 2009 in the Little Theatre Caligula contains mature themes that may be not be appropriate for younger audiences. In a stunningly
lyrical translation of the
original French text, the Roman emperor Caligula returns from a three
day absence precipitated by the death of his sister and lover to
declare his new philosophy: that absolute freedom can be obtained only
through the pursuit of logic at all costs.
Over the course of three years, he seeks this goal by systematically
perverting human values and randomly destroying human
life. He is supported perhaps out of love, perhaps out of fear by his
wife Caesonia and retainer Helicon; he is opposed by a group of
power-hungry noblemen conspiring to kill him. Caught in the middle is
his young pupil, Scipio, tormented by the gradual realization that he
has much in common with the teacher he knows he should hate. As the
play progresses and the emperor approaches his deadly end, these forces
steadily coalesce into a terrifying climax asking all along whether
Caligula has an even darker, unannounced intent.
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