Recreating Julius Caesar for Integrated Learning

A Fusion of Past and Present: A Unique Theatrical Experience is Coming Together at Prakriti this Winter. Watch live on 7th December, 12 noon.

A plot is brewing, a dagger is sharpened, and the fate of Rome hangs in the balance. We are excited to present Shakespeare's gripping historical drama, "Julius Caesar”, produced entirely in-house.

Julius Caesar, a historical tragedy by William Shakespeare, is set in ancient Rome during 44 BC. The play delves into the tumultuous period leading up to and following the assassination of Julius Caesar, a powerful and ambitious Roman general. The play leads us to questioning about the free will that humans think they possess and observe the fragility of democracy. Caesar, assassinated by the loyalists, leads us to also question the supremacy of the idea of the “Nation” over trust.

The Process

The entire process of preparing this play has been incredibly demanding but rewarding. We're immensely proud of our learners who, with the support of their talented facilitators, have independently created every element, from script, music and dance to set design.

Set Design

Our vision of Rome is that of a brown, earthy city, inspiring us to use cardboard to create a cohesive "brown-on-brown" aesthetic. The earthy tones can evoke the timelessness of ancient Roman structures, like the Colosseum or ruins, and reflect the natural materials often used in their construction. Embracing minimalism, we focused on highlighting every meticulously researched detail while ensuring no resources were wasted.

The process began with a miniature model of the entire set design, allowing us to carefully plan and test the structural integrity of the cardboard before moving on to the life-sized version.

Similarly, the costumes were first conceptualized in our learners' sketchbooks. To refine the designs, we crafted miniature dresses and dressed Barbie dolls, ensuring the look was perfect before ordering the fabric. This thoughtful approach demonstrates our dedication to combining creativity with sustainability.

For this play, we’ve embraced a sustainable approach. We are repurposing discarded cardboard boxes, and even the leftover scraps from newer cardboard will be transformed into a unique surprise brochure design. Our goal is to follow a zero-waste philosophy. This cohesive "cardboard-on-cardboard" aesthetic runs through the entire set design and even extends to the costumes. We’ve intentionally avoided adding beads, or other such embellishments to the fabric, as they would eventually contribute to landfill waste. Instead, we’ve kept the design clean and eco-friendly, ensuring that every element, including the cardboard used, can either be easily recycled or repurposed.

The fabric for the costumes has been thoughtfully stitched right here in-house, designed in a way that makes it super versatile. With just a bit of clever stitching, the fabric can be easily taken apart and reused for future school plays or other projects. It’s a smart, sustainable approach that combines creativity with practicality, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Music and Movement

Our production of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar is a unique blend of the old and the new. The music team is crafting a dynamic soundscape that fuses classical compositions with contemporary styles like rap. Live singing will accompany dancers on stage, creating a visually and aurally captivating experience. Our learners are actively involved, contributing to songwriting and learning new instruments. This student-driven approach ensures a truly unforgettable performance that honors the timeless tale of Julius Caesar while embracing modern creativity.

Integrating Subjects with the Play for Reflective Learning

To foster a deeper understanding and engagement with our curriculum, we've integrated various subjects across different grade levels.

Grade 9 & 10 English: Learners have delved into Shakespearean plays, combining English with history and drama. By analyzing the play within its historical and social context for the language, students develop a deeper appreciation for literature.

Grade 8 Indian and Global Studies: To bring history to life, the students of Grade 8 got inspired to study Shakespeare and explore the Renaissance period. They've researched famous Renaissance figures for . This interdisciplinary approach fosters a richer understanding of historical events and cultural developments.

Social Emotional Learning: We are conducting reflective discussions with the participating grades on how they see the themes of the play unveiling in their immediate connections, society, country and world at large. These workshops integrate psychology, sociology and social-emotional learning to equip learners with essential skills for understanding interpersonal relationships with power. By combining observation of the play with these workshops, we aim to empower our learners to navigate conflicts and build resilience.

The Timeless Lessons of Julius Caesar

William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar continues to resonate with audiences centuries after its writing. Beyond its gripping plot and compelling characters, the play offers profound insights into human nature, ethics, and politics.

The play delves into the complexities of human ambition, power, and morality. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of collective decision-making. By examining the consequences of individual choices and the fragility of democratic institutions, Julius Caesar offers valuable lessons for modern society.

Moreover, Shakespeare's masterful use of language and rhetoric showcases the power of words to persuade, inspire, and manipulate. The play highlights the importance of critical thinking and the ability to discern truth from deception.

By exploring the historical and cultural context of ancient Rome, Julius Caesar provides insights into the values, beliefs, and social structures of the time. It offers a glimpse into the complex interplay between individual ambition and the collective good.

- Shuchi Mishra, English Facilitator & Director of the Julius Caesar Play

Our school's production of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar will be staged at the Sri Aurobindo Hall, Prakriti School on December 7th. The glimpses of the same would be shared on our social media handles.