Apr 9th
Caesar Must Die** (12A)                             
(Ipswich Film Theatre)

(Ita 2011) bw/colour

A production of Julius Caesar at Rebbibia prison in Rome as performed by real-life inmates, with the walls of the prison serving as a semi-cinematic setting for the rehearsals and some of prisoners closely identifying with their characters.
Fairly basic to begin with, but becoming more compelling as rehearsals blend into performance and some of the prisoners' own personal grudges come through in their characters, Shakespeare's themes of tyranny and freedom ironically potent in an institution where none of the inhabitants are free.

Written and Directed by: Paolo Taviani, Vittorio Taviani.
Producer: Grazia Volpi.
Starring: Cosimo Rega (Cassius), Salvatore Striano (Brutus), Giovanni Arcuri (Caesar), Antonio Frasca (Marc Antony), Fabio Cavalli (director), Francesco Carusane (Soothsayer), and others.
Photography: Simone Zampagni.
Music: Giuliano Taviana, Carmelo Travia.
Editing: Roberto Perpignani.

+ Cosima Rega : "Ever since I discovered art this cell has become a prison."