UC Shakespeare Trial 2021:

Et tu, Brute?
Tuesday, March 9
5:00 pm Pacific Time
Zoom webinar registration

UC Shakespeare Trial 2021: Et tu, Brute?

Tuesday March 9, 5:00pm PST

At the heart of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is the decision of Brutus to join the conspirators in the assassination of Julius Caesar. This man had been his friend and mentor, but his bold actions threatened to turn the Roman republic into a government ruled by a dictator, contrary to Rome’s constitutional history. What do you think Brutus should have done?

In the UC Shakespeare Trial 2021:

  • Brutus is on trial for treason and murder.
  • Bernadette Meyler ’06 (Stanford Law) will mount the defense.
  • Erwin Chemerinsky (Berkeley Law) will prosecute.
  • The Honorable Andrew Guilford will preside.
  • You, the audience, are the jury in this interactive theater event. Was the act performed by Brutus and his fellow senators murder, or was it justifiable homicide? Should Brutus be acquitted, or should he be found guilty for his deed?

Your hosts are Eli Simon and Julia Lupton, co-directors of the New Swan Shakespeare Center.  The evening will begin with scenes from the play, performed by actors from New Swan Shakespeare Festival, directed by Beth Lopes.

This event is co-sponsored by UC Irvine’s New Swan Shakespeare Center, Illuminations: The Chancellor’s Arts and Culture Initiative, UCI Law, Berkeley Law, and Stanford Law. Free and open to all. Donation recommended. Registration required.

Our Legal Team

Erwin Chemerinsky
Dean, Berkeley Law

Bernadette Meyler ’06
Prof. Stanford Law

The Honorable
Andrew Guilford, Ret.

Past Trials

2019 Shakespeare Trial: “Shylock’s Appeal”

2018 Shakespeare Trial: “Hamlet, Homicide?”

Shakespeare, Law and Literature with Bernadette Meyler

Past Trial Photos

Click to enlarge photos.

this event is co-sponsored by

This event is co-sponsored by UC Irvine’s New Swan Shakespeare Center, Illuminations: The Chancellor’s Arts and Culture Initiative, UCI Law, Berkeley Law, and Stanford Law. Free and open to all.