THE ANGLOFILES: A THRILLING, INTIMATE TAKE ON JULIUS CAESAR AT THE FLEA THEATER
Back in May, we caught up with British actor and playwright Joe Staton about his debut play, Snazzy. During our chat, Joe mentioned his next big project: a role in Ensemble Shakespeare Company’s (ESC) production of Julius Caesar. Naturally, when Joe kindly extended an invitation to attend opening weekend, we couldn't wait to see it for ourselves!
Taking place at The Flea Theater in NYC, this isn't your standard, distant Shakespearean production. Under the direction of Dylan Diehl, the staging features a brilliantly intimate layout that places the actors right in the middle of the room. By erasing the traditional distance between the stage and the audience, you don't just watch the political unraveling of Rome, you feel like an active participant and an essential co-conspirator in the story. The close-quarters staging is made even more exhilarating by Jacqueline Holloway’s fight choreography, which packs a tremendous amount of action into the room's layout.
What truly stood out during the performance was the raw, palpable emotion radiating from the cast. The production deliberately foregoes an elaborate set, and it is a choice that absolutely works. Rather than building a complicated world, Joshua Warner’s scenic design relies on little more than a central pedestal and a few staircases. This leaves room for Micaela Hecht's modern, dystopian Divergent-esque costume designs to take focus, brilliantly accented by Annie Garrett-Larsen's evocative lighting design, from the chilling red hues that flood the stage during the assassination to the cool blue tones of the nighttime sequences.
The 15-person ensemble is a powerhouse, led by martial arts and screen legend Mark Dacascos (John Wick 3, Iron Chef) as a magnetic Julius Caesar. Dacascos commands the room with an intensely physical and athletic performance (highlighted by a striking shirtless sequence), matched in intensity by the formidable stage presence of Gerrard Lobo. Of course, the production features our very own Joe Staton seamlessly taking on the roles of Trebonius, Flavius, and Pindarus. Seeing Joe bring his craft to classical work is a wonderful reminder of why we love championing British expats making their mark in the NYC creative scene.
The company also embraces bold casting choices, utilizing cross-gender casting while preserving the script's original pronouns. This decision adds a fascinating new dimension to the character dynamics. Ella Olesen’s emotive, mesmerizing turn as Marc Antony anchored the emotional weight of the play, while Celeste Moratti brought a fiery edge to Cassius. Paul Marchegiani’s deeply felt performance as Portia further proved how well this imaginative casting worked.
Diego Millan also stood out as Lucius, bringing a welcome comedic effect and truly making the character his own. His scene singing and playing the guitar, a brilliant modern spin on Lucius’s traditional musical interlude, was a wonderful showcase of his many talents and added a delightful layer to the play.
For our SGSNY community, there is also a fantastic British connection woven into the fabric of this company. ESC’s foundation is built on the core belief that "Shakespeare is for all," deeply rooted in the teachings of Patsy Rodenburg OBE, a renowned Master Voice Coach and Shakespeare authority who served as Head of Voice at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Her influence is evident in the clarity, craft, and visceral connection with which the cast delivers the heightened language, breaking down barriers and making classical theater feel immediate, accessible, and deeply human.
Thrilling, devastating, and impossible to look away from, this production proved that any show from the Ensemble Shakespeare Company is an absolute must-see.
Show Details
Venue: The Flea Theater (20 Thomas Street, NYC)
Dates: Running through July 26, 2026
Runtime: 2 hours and 30 minutes (includes one 15-minute intermission)
Special Member Perk!
We are thrilled to share that Ensemble Shakespeare Company is generously offering St. George's Society members a 15% discount on tickets for all ESC productions. Log in via the members’ portal to claim your discount code.
