The UHD theater will present Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" in the original 16th century pronunciation May 1-4 in the O'Kane Theatre.

Back by popular demand, and directed by Kate Pogue, drama lecturer, this production tells the story of the 44 BC conspiracy against the Roman dictator Julius Caesar, his assassination and the eventual defeat of the conspirators at the Battle of Philippi. It is one of several plays written by Shakespeare based on true events from Roman history.

Pogue encourages wide community attendance for this opportunity to see Shakespeare "come to life" through original pronunciation - something one would otherwise have to travel to Europe to see.

Later this summer, in the first week of August, Pogue's theater students will travel to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland - the largest arts festival in the world - for nine performances.

"So many aspects of our language and mannerisms have changed since Shakespeare's time," said Pogue, who has written four books on Shakespeare, directed two dozen Shakespeare plays and for 18 years served as the artistic director of the Shakespeare by the Book Festival. "These gradual changes over time have made a tremendous difference in the way we hear, understand and enjoy Shakespeare's words. In fact, many of the puns and wordplays so indicative of Shakespeare's creative genius are lost completely with modern English."

Examples of the differences between modern and Shakespearean-era English include:

-The short "u" sound, as in "cut," was pronounced "oo" like "coot."

-The long "i" sound, as in "tie," was pronounced "oy" like "toy."

-And the "g" at the end of words such as "going" and "coming," as well as the "k" in the beginning of words like "know" and "knee," were pronounced.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear and see one of Shakespeare's greatest works as it was intended to be performed.

Performances are at 8 p.m. May 1-3 and 3 p.m. May 4. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students with a valid ID. Buy them here!