MONMOUTH – William Shakespeare’s “Antony and Cleopatra” opens Friday, July 30, and runs through Thursday, Aug. 19 at The Theater at Monmouth.

“Antony and Cleopatra” is one of Shakespeare’s best-known later tragedies. Written about 10 years after “Julius Caesar,” “Antony and Cleopatra” portrays actual events and persons from Roman history, but, unlike “Julius Caesar,” it also embodies the love story of its title characters.

Theater at Monmouth veterans Janis Stevens and Mark S. Cartier play the famous couple, as the theater’s tradition of Roman Empire epics continues on from last season’s production of “Julius Caesar.”

For the historical background, plot and intimate details of the affair between the Roman general Antony and the Egyptian queen Cleopatra, Shakespeare drew upon the ancient Roman historian Plutarch.

In fact, the description of Cleopatra upon her barge presented by the character Enobarbus (played by Theater at Monmouth favorite Bill Van Horn) is nearly a word-for-word translation of a passage from “Plutarch’s Lives.”

A very personal level

In Antony, Cleopatra and Octavius Caesar (portrayed by a Theater at Monmouth newcomer and North Leeds native, Kevin Hoffmann), Shakespeare depicts characters that are larger than life, all three of the main figures commanding “planetary” status as rulers of the world and instruments of its destiny.

Director Davis Robinson said, “Shakespeare’s masterpiece examines the human psyche on an intensely personal level while simultaneously charting a global struggle for power that continues to reverberate to this day.” Robinson chairs the theater and dance department at Bowdoin College.

Drama, sensuality

A sure hit among Monmouth’s classics audience, “Antony and Cleopatra” is dramatic, sensual and certain to keep audience’s attention, according to a theater spokesman.

“Antony and Cleopatra” opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 30. A free, opening night celebration with light refreshments will be held at Cochrane’s Restaurant immediately following the show.

The evening performances on July 31 and Aug. 5, 11 and 19 will begin at 7:30 p.m.

The Sunday performance Aug. 15 will be at 7 p.m. and a post-show discussion with the cast and crew will be held immediately following that performance. A matinee Saturday, July 31, will be at 2 p.m.

Founded in 1970, The Theater at Monmouth is celebrating its 35th season. In the last several years, historic Cumston Hall, a Victorian-style opera house, has undergone a $2.5 million revitalization, including an addition, air-conditioning, an elevator, new restrooms and new theater seats.

Tickets are $26 for opening night, $22 for general admission, $20 for seniors and matinees, and $18 for students. People can order tickets by calling the box office, (207) 933-9999.

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