Et tu, Denzel? Oscar Winner Washington to Star as Brutus in Broadway Julius Caesar

By Ernio Hernandez
and Robert Simonson
15 Nov 2004

Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington

Two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington is set to star as one of the most noted of political and personal betrayers, Brutus, in a new staging of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar coming to Broadway in March.

Daniel Sullivan (Proof), a director not typically associated with the Bard, will stage the political tragedy starting in March 2005 at the Belasco Theatre, producers announced Nov. 15.

The Belasco's current resident, Dracula the Musical, has yet to announce plans for its future. Official dates for Julius Caesar are to be announced shortly. The New York Times first reported about the staging Nov. 13.

Washington, 49, earned Oscars for his turns in the films "Training Day" and "Glory." The actor is also known for his work in "Philadelphia," "Malcolm X," "The Hurricane," "The Manchurian Candidate" and his recent directorial debut, "Antwone Fisher." Washington last appeared on Broadway in 1988's Checkmates.

Director Sullivan staged this season's Sight Unseen and is currently slated to helm two other upcoming Manhattan Theatre Club productions of Brooklyn Boy and After the Night and the Music.

Carole Shorenstein Hays and Freddy DeMann will produce the Broadway run. Casting for the play's other major roles — Cassius, Marc Antony, Julius Caesar — has not been announced, but A-list actors are expected.

Julius Caesar hasn't been seen on Broadway since 1950. It was recently produced in Central Park by the Public Theater, with a cast including Jeffrey Wright.