Et tu, Botanicum?  

Topanga's idyllic theater in the woods offers an evening contemplating the political intrigues of ancient Rome by moonlight, as the tragedy of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar unfolds on the Theatricum Botanicum stage.

The production is abridged, with a narrator who steps out of the action to act as guide through the tale, adding political context and filling in the gaps where the company has sped things up. The foreshortening allows for an interval-free performance, which helps to keep the evening more COVID-friendly.

Caesar's story is presented with some thought-provoking observations on democracy, and our shared responsibility to keep it healthy. And while the famous murder in the Roman senate doesn't leave room for many guffaws, there are some exciting battle scenes—not to mention a few cameos by the resident bats.

The Botanicum stage is always a delight to experience and makes for a wonderful open-air evening at the theater, this year in particular. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy before the show.

The performance runs 80 minutes with no intermission. Masks are required. Parking is available onsite for $7, or free along Topanga Canyon Boulevard.