Worried that Julius Caesar threatens democracy, a group of Roman senators violently decides to assassinate him. But instead of saving the Republic, their conspiracy opens the door to chaos, superstition, and a bloody civil war.

Julius Caesar, the iconic political drama by William Shakespeare, arrives on the 71st Split Summer Festival stage, directed by Qëndrim Rijani. This tense and timeless story of power, betrayal, and the struggle for ideals takes us into the heart of ancient Rome through a web of intrigue, inner conflict, and fateful decisions that shape the course of history. At the centre of the drama are Brutus and Cassius, two senators who, believing they are acting in the best interests of Rome, set in motion events that will forever alter the face of the Republic.

For me, as a director, this is not my first encounter with Shakespeare, but perhaps it is the most challenging so far, precisely because of the dramatic weight and the strong parallels this work has with our time. The performance begins as a classical interpretation of the play and gradually transforms into a brutal, overwhelming, and harrowing reflection of our present reality. The resurgence of authoritarianism in the world — often disguised under slogans like “republic,” “protection of freedom,” or “national interest” — urges us to ask ourselves: What is democracy today? Is it a living, breathing reality, or a cruel reminder that history is doomed to repeat itself? - Qëndrim Rijani