The Death of Julius Caesar

Inspired by a trip to Rome!

Scene 1

Stage lights up and exposes an unfinished building.  

The setting The Colosseum on 15th March 44 BC. It’s a popular amphitheater that stands on top of Esquiline hill in ancient Romulus (Rome) 

It’s the venue of the gladiators, a popular war game. (Armed combatants engage in a brutal fight to the death with thousands of Romans being thoroughly entertained)

Behind the stage are two doors leading up to the back rooms. A platform extends 42 yards to the center stage. Beams of flame are blazing on both ends of the amphitheater which signify the victory and the glory of the Roman empire. 

Enters Julius Caesar...

Romans and fellow Countrymen,

I speaketh not for myself but for the triumph of Rome. 

Weepest no more my friends, 

We have finally conquered lands of Gaul!

——–

That our lands, seas, oceans and bridges

Are mightier and broader than our forefathers dreameth.

This is Romulus, the land that we so longed for!

——–

(Cheers and applause from the spectators as he advances towards the center of the platform) 

—

For Brutus’ sake my good friend. 

Withholding not thy honor and fame, 

This pride belongs to you and the Romans,, 

And to all the men who fought to the tooth.

———–

Today, fellow countrymen. 

I bring you a message from the distant lands, . 

Veni, Vidi, Vici!.

I came, I saw, I conquered..

———

A spectator rises from the crowd and shouts with his sword held up… 

“Long live Caesar, long live Caesar’.

Long live caesar!. 

The thousands of spectators follow like roaring  thunder, raising their fists.

——–

Brutus is watching from the elevated side of the platform. He sips a mug of wine and spits on the floor with rage. . He is seen whispering to one of his chief servants who walks away to fulfill the instruction. The emperor seems to endure the claps and jeering and is deeply troubled with jealousy..

Brutus walks through the backdoor and is seen entering from the left side of the stage towards the entrance of the senate. 

He enters the senate amphitheater where all the officials had gathered and addresses them

What more shalI I unfold to thee?

Yet though have seen the harm that Caesar bringeth, 

Upon our people, country and the splendor of Rome. 

——-

Harming him shall not only do us justice, but Rome’s sake

Let’s fulfill the plan as we spoke

For the sake of Rome!

He shouts as he lifts his dagger that was hidden underneath his toga, (long gown) 

For the sake of Rome! 

All the thirty officials in the senate room shout in agreement with Ceasar

Scene Two

Long live caesar! Long live Caesar!!

Thousands of spectators are still cheering and their hands held high. The army generals are watching as they raise their swords to honor and respect his achievement and legacy. They throw ounces of Gold to the people who with a mightier uproar praise caesar. 

Caesar walks majestically to the tip of the platform, raises his hands to silence the crowd. 

May I have your attention, Friends, Romans..

“Let the games begin!!”

The crowd blasts in cheers as the gates open and enters a mighty army of soldiers in the amphitheater, ready for the gladiator games. The Romans are thoroughly entertained as Caesar walks away. 

He goes through the backdoor and enters the senate where Brutus and all the officials were sitted.

I am sorry to keep you waiting, my generals.

I shall be short to allow time for celebration. 

O generals, Let’s toast to this!

———-

An official Aurellius stands and shouts at Caesar. 

This is not for Rome but for thy own sake!

He pushes his way through the front and removes his knife,

The rest of the officials remove theirs and surround caesar. They shout ‘ For Rome! For Rome! As they approach him.

Caesar is left speechless and defenseless as these were his most trusted allies. He raises his arms, surrendering and says. 

It is well, gentlemen. If for thy gladness… 

Marcellius stabbed him from the back as he dropped down with his knees and arms raised. Face facing down in disbelief and shame. 

Brutus pushes through the crowd and stabs him in the stomach. Which makes Caesar look up and say 

‘Brutus? I never knew..” then he chokes

The rest of the officials stab him to death and the corpse is left at the amphitheater. The chief officials come to the front and carry the corpse.

Outside, the crowd has just finished watching the gladiators and leaves. Mark anthony approaches the main platform, ready to give a moving speech. The corpse of Julius Ceasar by his side…