New monologue explains Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar and its relevance to organizing today

For immediate release:
July 15, 2009
Contact: Bob Kilgore
206-465-2558
blindboyggg [at] yahoo.com

New monologue explains Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar and its relevance to organizing today

On August 22 at the Live Oak Grange, union organizer Bob Kilgore will perform his new monologue, “Caesar’s Autopsy”, a unique analysis of Shakespeare’s historical tragedy Julius Caesar.

Kilgore draws on his decade of organizing experience to explain the inner workings of the political conspiracy to kill Roman Emperor Julius Caesar. His recitations of key scenes from the play provide vivid examples of what to do (and what not to do) when you’re organizing people to take power into their own hands.

“There are many lessons organizers can learn from Shakespeare,” Kilgore says. “It’s fascinating to see how Cassius, Brutus and the others come together to take Caesar down. They make some big mistakes, too--in fact they all wind up dead--so I draw some conclusions from that side of it as well.”

“Caesar’s Autopsy” looks at the potential for organizing social change in the U.S., in these times of having a former community organizer for President and incredible social technology at our fingertips. Yet it demonstrates that there are certain fundamental elements to organizing that have remained constant for millennia.

“I think of the show as honorable yet dangerous,” says Kilgore. “It’s worthy to share the secrets of agitation, but it’s also a little nerve-wracking. When you organize you unleash tremendous energy for change—you don’t know what can happen when people get together and decide to alter their relationship with the powers that be. It’s risky and exciting, and I think Shakespeare captures that thrill perfectly.”

Admission is Free

“Caesar’s Autopsy”

Saturday August 22 at 8:00 pm
Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz
A benefit for the Fund for Union Democracy