Director Warns of Democracy's Fragility Ahead of Trump-Inspired Julius Caesar Opening

Director Oscar Eustis warned about the fragility of democracy and institutions before the opening of his production of Julius Caesar in New York’s Central Park on June 12.

Eustis gave the Shakespeare classic modern relevance by highlighting the dangers that came from authorities who “pursue a democracy by non-democratic means;” “the danger of a large crowd of people manipulated by their emotions, taken over by leaders who urge them to do things that not are only against their interests but destroy the very institutions that are there to serve and protect them.”

The show caused controversy for featuring a Caesar, whose characters and attire are not unlike President Donald Trump, being stabbed to death by politicians. Critics said the play encouraged violence against the president, but Eustis said “neither Shakespeare nor the Public Theater could possibly advocate violence as a solution to political problems, and certainly not assassins.” Delta Air Lines had pulled its sponsorship, HuffPost reported. Credit: Twitter/Beau Willimon via Storyful