I Know That Virtue to be in You, Brutus

-Shakespeare’s Julius Ceasar

Through Shakespeare from the Ground’s Monologue Project, we shine a spotlight on Shakespeare’s speeches from our favorite characters who might not be mainstream but have meaning, make commentary, or mark a change within the play.

In Julius Caesar, jealous conspirators convince Caesar's friend Brutus to join their assassination plot against Caesar. To stop Caesar from gaining too much power, Brutus and the conspirators kill him on the Ides of March. Just a week away from our performance of Julius Caesar in the Spring of 2020, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic and we opted to cancel the show. Matthew Springer was already prepared to breathe life into the character of Brutus, so he gladly agreed to share this one of Shakespeare’s monologues with you to kick off our Monologue Project.

“What drew me to this monologue is its universality.” said Springer. “There isn’t a single person who hasn’t or won’t face a decision that will alter their life forever. This monologue highlights exactly how the honorable and stoic Brutus knows what must be done, but still struggles to convince himself of its necessity, while also accepting the future consequences of his decision.” We are so thankful that Matthew Springer was willing to share this pivotal moment and catalyst that sets in motion the rest of the play.

Locally, Springer has acted in The Santaland Diaries, The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged), and our production, 12th Night for 12th Night.

MATTHEW SPRINGER AS BRUTUS IN JULIUS CAESAR:

THE MONOLOGUE: JULIUS CAESAR, ACT II, SCENE 1, BRUTUS BY MATTHEW SPRINGER

“It must be by his death: and for my part, I know no personal cause to spurn at him, But for the general. He would be crown'd: How that might change his nature, there's the question. It is the bright day that brings forth the adder; And that craves wary walking. Crown him?--that;-- And then, I grant, we put a sting in him, That at his will he may do danger with. The abuse of greatness is, when it disjoins Remorse from power: and, to speak truth of Caesar, I have not known when his affections sway'd More than his reason. But 'tis a common proof, That lowliness is young ambition's ladder, Whereto the climber-upward turns his face; But when he once attains the upmost round. He then unto the ladder turns his back, Looks in the clouds, scorning the base degrees By which he did ascend. So Caesar may. Then, lest he may, prevent. And, since the quarrel Will bear no colour for the thing he is, Fashion it thus; that what he is, augmented, Would run to these and these extremities: And therefore think him as a serpent's egg Which, hatch'd, would, as his kind, grow mischievous, And kill him in the shell.”

MORE ABOUT THE MONOLOGUE PROJECT

Our goal of Shakespeare from the Ground’s Monologue Project is to collect a library of Shakespearean monologues to share with our community for virtual entertainment while we are still socially distanced. You don’t need to be a professional actor to participate. If you’re inspired and ready to record, great! If you need help selecting your Shakespeare Monologue or getting it recorded, reach out and we’ll help you get the ball rolling. Are you ready to take to the boards once again…virtually?