The California Repertory Company’s production of Britannicus, directed by Bart DeLorenzo, is now open at the National Guard Armory in downtown Long Beach.
DeLorenzo has partnered with John Rafter Lee, who has written a world-premiere adaptation of Jean Racine’s script exclusively for Cal Rep’s production.
A tale of moral choice, the tragic play, first produced in 1669, was the first time Racine had attempted to depict Roman history. The play’s subject, Britannicus, is the son of the Roman emperor Claudius and heir to the imperial throne. Claudius was however to marry Agrippina the Younger and adopt her son Lucius, later to be known as Nero. Nero usurps Britannicus’ place in the succession and becomes emperor when his father dies. Britannicus runs through May 17. Performances are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.For more information, call (562) 985-4500. The Armory is located at 854 E. 7th Street in Long Beach.
