Rome Sweet Rome

Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

Caesar/Octavius U/S, Brutus U/S

September 23-October 19, 2025 | Chicago, IL

Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it only takes a moment for the balance of power—and the bread basket—to crumble. In this wild and satirical “add-rap-tation” of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar from Chicago’s own Q Brothers Collective, the charismatic tyrant Caesar rules over his realm with an iron fist and a string of increasingly ludicrous executive orders. When delicious carbs are officially kiboshed, Brutus, Cassius, and the Senator crew decide the madness must end. Set to the electrifying beats of ’90s hip hop and New Jack Swing, razor-sharp wit collides with revolutionary rhythm, proving that political power struggles never go out of style. This is Shakespeare that bumps, breathes, and breaks boundaries.

For performances on October 3 and 10, Curtis will make his Chicago Shakespeare Theatre debut in the leading role of Caesar/Octavius.