The word Shakespeare alone brings back memories of high school essays on “Romeo and Juliet,” questions on what a shrew is as you read “Taming of the Shrew” and knowing nothing about “Much Ado about Nothing.” Though it’s famous literature, Shakespeare doesn’t typically appeal to the modern college student, which is why faculty member Carl Lindberg took the challenge of a five hour long play, “Julius Caesar,” and molded it into an engaging two hour piece for anyone to enjoy.

No change was made without purpose. The true goal to adapt Shakespeare for our time was kept in mind. “I hope the audience sees the play as both accessible and interesting,” explained Lindberg. “Accessible in that it is understandable and holds recognizable people and situations within the story.  Though many people will know what happens, I hope our production surprises patrons and keeps them engaged.”

Originally set in ancient Rome, Lindberg’s version of “Julius Caesar” is set to take place in the roaring twenties and promises powerful visuals. “We have made some stylistic and anachronistic choices, such as varied and bright hair colors,” said Lindberg. “Jazz music, both recognizable and edited, permeates the production.  I was looking for a time period that had individuals that were part of both ‘the haves’ and ‘the have not’s.’”

In Shakespeare’s original, characters are bound to genders, showing the stern patriarchy of ancient Rome, Lindberg challenges these roles to bring deeper meaning to the play, both Julius Caesar and Marcus Brutus are played by females. “It is important to me that we in the audience view the characters as people from all walks of life we see in contemporary society, not only middle aged Roman men,” said Lindberg.

Take your connotations of Shakespeare and throw them out the window, COD’s version of “Julius Caesar” will be performed in the Studio Theatre from March 3 until March 20.