Latest news with #Artscape
Daily Maverick
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Maverick
Julius Caesar — a fluid, but slightly flaccid, time-travelling Shakespeare full of intellectual bravado
An adventurous reimagining of the Bard's timelessly political play aims for gender and generational fluidity but gets bogged down by laboriously longwinded lines. I am definitely too dumb for Shakespeare. Just when I start believing that perhaps I've got a handle on the various layers of meaning that Stratford's Bard seemed to have been capable of juggling, some new and unexpected knot or twist or tangle reveals itself, completely destabilising my understanding of what he was on about. Then again, the latest conceptually formidable (and intellectually daunting) rendition of Julius Caesar that's been brought to the stage by director Fred Abrahamse (along with a small cast of mostly men and one fabulously engrossing Fiona Ramsay) really strives to deepen the perplexity of what is one of Shakespeare's most enduringly political plays. It is a heartfelt, highly ambitious conceptual reframing of the play about one of history's most famous political assassinations, and it is clever, even if that cleverness gets slightly bogged down in earnestness. Showing at Artscape 's Arena briefly before it tours abroad, not only does it overlay different periods in history, weaving past and present into a formidable postmodern tapestry that (much like the Tilda Swinton-starring film version of Virginia Woolf's Orlando, which it seems to model itself on) can feel quite a bit like you've dropped a cap of acid on a Friday night and consequently find yourself freewheeling and untethered down the highway of cultural complexity, the brakes cut and the vehicle speeding up, forcing you to grip the steering wheel ever tighter as you search for meaning. Three time periods Abrahamse's proposition is to muddle three time periods: the period when Shakespeare wrote Julius Caesar (1599), the time when its action presumably played out in a historically verifiable Rome (44BC), and finally, right here, right now. The earliest and the latter periods are self-evident, but it's something of a masterstroke to also find ways in which to insert Queen Elizabeth I into the action, in order to draw parallels between, on the one hand, the plotting and scheming and inevitable aftermath of Caesar's assassination at the hands of his political rivals and closest friends, and, on the other hand, the Essex Rebellion against the British crown in February 1601. The overlaps and parallels and the unavoidable commentary on the persistence of political conspiracies throughout history are all very compelling. It's a pity, though, that the action comes off as a little less riveting than the idea behind the intrigue. I say 'action', but in fact there's very little action to speak of in this thinking man's potboiler. Yes, there are moments — such as the slightly hammy moment when members of the cabal against Caesar pile in with their daggers and send Rome's ambitious leader into the afterlife — but, to a great extent, this comes off as a very static, very stagey play. The action is principally conveyed in the words, and to carry off the conceit, the words need to be spoken and performed with purpose; they should ideally be made to plant vivid mental images in the audience's imagination, to make the invisible, talked about and discussed 'action' truly come alive in our minds. That takes incredible skill. Fiona Ramsey, who is quite transcendent, of 10 times rapturous and also splendidly costumed and accessorised in this show, certainly gets it right. She slips between Elizabeth the queen and Caesar the would-be emperor with a mere slip of the tongue, and manages to hold the audience's attention and captivate its collective imagination with formidable ease. She is masterful and, just as her costumes and make-up and accessories add gravitas to the characters she becomes, her vocalisation and full-body performance generates what feels like entire universes on that otherwise quite sparse stage. The other actors have less of an easy time with Shakespeare, and in a number of scenes some of the characters seem hamstrung by the words, weighed down by the plodding, over-enunciated manner in which the pentameter is spoken. The actors need to get into their characters, disappear and take the burden of the dialogue with them. On the night I saw it (admittedly right at the start of the show's run), the ponderous recitation seemed to hypnotise rather than captivate. A few of the choices, such as transforming some female characters into camp, masked caricatures, seem unworthy of the concept, have the effect of parodying entire scenes rather than meaningfully contributing to the production's stated interest in exploring gender fluidity by having actors slip into roles intended for the opposite sex. When Ramsey switches between Caesar and Elizabeth, the transition is seamless and decisive, when Thinus Viljoen disguises himself as Portia, it comes off as charmlessly camp. A smart, compelling theatrical concept On the one hand, this production has quite a few lengthy speeches that end up getting lost because they're spoken too dryly and with a lack of colour, and on the other there are moments when the dialogue takes on a sing-song quality, as though it's poetry rather than words imbued with life-force that's being recited; the boys in the cast should look to Ramsey for a sense of how to navigate the middle ground, and thereby illuminate the meaning of the words, while conveying their emotional depth. For too much of the performance, I was engaged intellectually, being reminded just how dumb I am. In the face of such a smart, compelling theatrical concept, I felt somewhat relegated to some sort of emotional wasteland, grappling at the steering wheel in order to get a grip on the play's truth and meaning. Time will no doubt help mold this potentially great work into better shape; the men on stage need to relax into their roles. The key may be right there from the start, which is the pre-set state of the performance: the men in a Roman bathhouse, sitting on the edge of a pool of water, naked save for thin sheets covering their vital bits. What this play perhaps needs is for a more thorough investigation of the homoerotic tension that quivers and quakes during that opening tableaux. While the cast waits for the audience to take their seats, there's incredible drama in the simple fact of exposed flesh — as an expression of vulnerability, innocence and sexual desire, it's an image that's full of promise, and it should perhaps be better used to define and refine the ensuing energy of the play. Instead, beyond the unfulfilled promise of the opening scene's homoeroticism, there are only moments of minor innuendo, but nothing sufficient enough to transform this play into what might been a gender-bending triumph, perhaps even a queer take on Shakespeare that the world could do with right about now. At this moment in history when gender and gay rights are under threat in so-called democracies,that would be a worthy investigation. DM Julius Caesar is at the Artscape Arena through May 31, 2025.
CBS News
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Baltimore police to increase presence in popular neighborhoods this summer
Baltimore police say it will increase patrols in popular city neighborhoods this summer, especially during holidays and high-profile events. More officers will be seen in Baltimore's entertainment areas, including downtown, the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, Federal Hill, and other neighborhoods. Knowing activity is higher during the summer months, Baltimore police want to adjust how they monitor the city. Police said summer crime initiatives are designed to provide substantial and meaningful support. "Our strategies are reviewed and updated regularly to ensure we are making the most effective use of all available resources," Baltimore police said. Safety at large events Police presence was noticeable this weekend during Baltimore's Artscape Festival. Visitors said they felt a sense of safety, especially with police officers surrounding the festival grounds. "Very safe," Artscape attendee Keith Peguese said. "It feels like the AFRAM festival." "I feel pretty safe here, like nothing is going to happen," said Abisola Adeusi, who attended Artscape on Saturday. "This is like the most people I've seen in a while." Visitors say they aren't opposed to seeing more officers at similar events this summer. "The presence is appreciated," Adeusi said. However, there is a pause for some visitors. "I guess I would worry about too much police presence," Artscape visitor Shalala said. "I do worry about if tensions rise, like if something happens." Artscape weekend The unofficial start of summer is filled with food, music, and art for people celebrating at Artscape. "See the art, the artists," Adeusi said. "I'm like, oh my gosh, everyone is so talented." "I'm glad to finally be here and enjoy it before I move out of Baltimore," Shalala said. Aside from vendors, performers Fantasia and Robin Thicke look to the main stage. "I think my favorite part is the organizations," Shalala said. "I really love learning what organizations are in Baltimore and what they're doing to better the city."
CBS News
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Summer months in Baltimore will come with increased police patrols in popular city neighborhoods this year.
Baltimore Police plans to increase their presence for major holidays and high-profile events. Baltimore police say residents and visitors will see more officers in entertainment areas like Downtown, the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, Federal Hill and other neighborhoods. Knowing activity is higher during the summer months, Baltimore Police want to adjust how the monitor the city. Police said summer crime initiatives are designed to provide substantial and meaningful support. Baltimore Police said, "Our strategies are reviewed and updated regularly to ensure we are making the most effective use of all available resources." Safety at Artscape The unofficial start of summer is filled with food, music and art for people celebrating at Artscape. "See the art, the artists," said Abisola Adeusi, who attended the festival. "I'm like oh my gosh everyone is so talented." "I'm glad to finally be here and enjoy it before I move out of Baltimore," Shalala, another festivalgoer, said. Many people packed Downtown Baltimore for this year's Artscape. "I came to see Little Brother, catch up with friends, food, art, just have a good time overall," said Keith Peguese. "And I wanted to see how this new location was going to be." "I think my favorite part is the organizations," Shalala said. "I really love learning what organizations are in Baltimore and what they're doing to better the city." They even feel a sense of safety, especially with police officers surrounding festival grounds. "Very safe," Peguese said. "It feels like AFRAM festival." "I feel pretty safe here like nothing is going to happen," Adeusi said. "This is like the most people I've seen in a while." Some aren't opposed to seeing more officers at similar events this summer. "The presence is appreciated," Adeusi said. However, there is some pause. "I guess I would worry about too much police presence," Shalala said. "I do worry about if tensions rise, like if something happens." Though they don't expect to see any issues at Artscape. Several people say they're taking in the good vibes. "It's really relaxed, chill," Peguese said. "Everybody is here just to have a good time." "So, it's great to see people, kids, personalities," Adeusi said. "Also, it's very nice to be out and just have something to do on the weekend."
CBS News
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Expect heavy traffic around Baltimore during Artscape, Memorial Day weekend
It's expected to be a busy weekend in Baltimore as Artscape returns for the Memorial Day weekend. AAA estimates more than 873,000 Marylanders will drive 50 miles or more this weekend. While that is an increase from last year, it is still lower than pre-pandemic levels. Increased police presence during Memorial Day weekend MDTA said Memorial Day marks the start of the peak travel season on the roads. More than 340,000 vehicles will cross the Bay Bridge between Friday, May 23, and Monday, May 26, Memorial Day. Motorists should stay on US 50 on both sides of the bridge to keep local roadways open for first responders and residents. "You're going to see an increased law enforcement presence here and across the state," said Lt. Tim Howell with MDTA Police. Lt. Howell said travelers should drive responsibly and pay attention to lane signals. "If you see a red 'X,' that means the lane is closed," he said. MDTA said expect travel delays in both directions – often simultaneously – at the bridge and along the US 50 corridor throughout the entire holiday travel period when traveling during peak hours. This is a result of traffic volume exceeding lane capacity, not two-way operation timing or management. Artscape downtown for first time In Baltimore, business owners and food vendors are excited for another year of Artscape. "I think a change was like due," said Ekiben Co-Founder Ephrem Abebe. This year, Artscape will be held downtown, shifting from its previous locations throughout Mount Vernon, Station North, and Bolton Hill. The two-day festival features more than 100 artists. Food vendors, The Empanada Lady and Ekiben, are working on their final preparations ahead of the Saturday kick off. "We've been preparing for Artscape for like three months," said Elisa Milan, the owner of The Empanada Lady. "We're prepping a lot of chicken," said Abebe. Milan said she's expanding her operations for the festival, serving customers at her brick and mortar downtown and at the festival just a walk away. "I'm running three operations," she said. "I've never done this before." Milan is taking advantage of the Artscape's new location being downtown. "Because we're so close, we're going to be intentionally trying to drive people down to the restaurant," she said. Due to it being a holiday weekend, Abebe expects a larger crowd at Artscape. "Typically, Artscape Sundays are a little bit slower," Abebe said. "With Monday being Memorial Day, we think it's going to be a pretty great turnout." Traffic impacts Baltimore City DOT said the several streets will be closed to traffic through midnight on Monday. Detours and parking restrictions are in effect: Fayette Street closed from President Street to Guilford Avenue. Gay Street closed from E. Baltimore Street to E. Saratoga Street. Holliday Street closed from E. Baltimore Street to Pleasant Street. Pleasant Street closed from Fallsway to Guilford Avenue. Pleasant Street Ramp closed at SB JFX. Lexington Street closed from Guilford Avenue to N. Frederick Street. Frederick Street closed from E. Fayette Street to E. Lexington Street. Dickey Place closed from Guilford Avenue to Holliday Street. Saratoga Street closed from Holliday Street to N. Gay Street. Saratoga Street between Holliday Street and Guilford Avenue will have a temporary two-way traffic pattern implemented for Breco Condominium residents.
Technical.ly
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Technical.ly
Artscape 2025 brings tech and talent downtown
Baltimore's beloved free arts festival is switching things up for 2025 — and not just with its art. Artscape has moved downtown and takes place earlier in the year than usual, over Memorial Day weekend on May 24-25. The new timing and location come with a message: The festival, produced by the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts (BOPA), isn't just about creativity. It's about innovation. For a large part of its nearly 40-year run, Artscape has spotlighted creative collisions, putting Baltimore painters and poets alongside coders and gamers. This year's festival continues that fusion, alongside other new additions like the Scout Art Fair curated by the acclaimed Baltimore-born visual artist Derrick Adams and the Baltimore Beat's arts editor Teri Henderson. Think augmented reality maps, immersive installations and a statue that turns into digital art when you scan it with your phone. These aren't just gimmicks. They're signs that Baltimore's tech scene is increasingly woven into its cultural fabric. For instance, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County is helping bring the interactive vision to life, according to organizers. Thanks to a collaboration with the local design firm Raunjiba, QR codes scattered throughout the festival footprint will unlock a 3D AR map to help attendees explore the newly reimagined layout. And when you find the fest's statue, scan it, and watch the sculpture go 3D. Panels that bridge the creative and the scientific Over at Baltimore Center Stage, the 'In Conversation' series dives deeper into the art-tech crossover. In 'Science & Dance: Orbiting the Self,' CEO Andrew Parlock of Space Phoenix moderates a discussion connecting choreography with the science of motion and identity. Prefer fashion to footwork? 'The Science of Beauty: Styles by Science' breaks down how AI, design and smart tools are rewriting industry norms. Entrepreneur Keisha McClain leads this talk on how algorithms and innovation are fueling your next look. Spotlight on the next generation 'In Conversation' is one of two new Artscape tracks this year, both taking place at Baltimore Center Stage. The second, 'Beyond the Reel,' focuses on cinema and features a mix of screenings and discussions. As part of it, on Sunday at Ikonic Live, middle and high school students from the region will participate in a showcase and affiliated panel curated by Wide Angle Youth Media. Beyond that and the annual Kidscape programming track, the Baltimore Underground Science Space will showcase another bridge of science and art — that is, art made up of living organisms, like yeast. Will you be taking in tech at this year's Artscape? If so, send us your photos at baltimore@ and you might get featured in our next Baltimore newsletter!
