Antony and Cleopatra

This exciting musical is a great introduction for young pupils to Shakespeare. With dramatic songs and dances, two alternative scripts are provided - shortened Shakespeare or modern rhyming. 
The plot follows intrigues and conflicts that brought about the downfall of Mark Antony, Roman Triumvir, and Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. While she schemes to hold on to Antony and her power, he is torn between a luxurious life in her palace, and loyalty to his Roman comrades and wife. Cleopatra is enraged when Antony returns to Rome to marry Caesar's sister, Octavia. Finally he goes back to the Queen, but is defeated by Caesar in sea and land battles.

To clarify this complicated plot, the stage is divided into three areas: Egypt, Rome and Sea. The Director's Book has both versions of the script, so teachers can choose the more suitable one for their pupils. Each version provides a great resource for students learning English as a foreign language.

Ages:  9 to 15; KS2, KS3 
Duration: 50 to 60 minutes

Cast: 25 to 45 solo speaking & group singing parts
* = Solo singing

Narrators: 1 to 6 
Romans: Mark Antony*, Enobarbus*, Demetrius, Philo, Eros, Candidus, Scarus, Ventidius, Silus, Decretas, Octavius Caesar, Octavia*, Maecenas, Agrippa, Taurus, Thidias, Dolabella, Lepidus, Sextus Pompeius, Menecrates, Menas, Varrius, Gallus, Proculeius, Messengers 
Egyptians: Cleopatra*, Charmian*, Iras*, Alexas, Mardian, Clown, Soothsayers, Messengers 

Chorus: Soldiers, Sailors, Followers, Attendants, Egyptian Dancers

Music: 10 songs and dances in a variety of musical styles including Eastern, ballad, blues, march & waltz.

Cross-curricular Content:
Shakespeare, Plays, Poetry, Myths & Legends, Theatre: Elizabethan Literature, Historic Places & People, Ancient Rome, Ancient Egypt: Relationships, Conflict & Resolution, Differences & Similarities, Bullying

Review: You really have a gift for writing music...Again, thank you for being part of a wonderful experience for these 6th grade students. They totally embraced the story and the characters. Joseph Palmore, Hawaii 

It is illegal to photocopy or otherwise reproduce any part of 'Antony & Cleopatra'.
All performances & recordings must be licenced as shown below.