Julius Caesar Reimagined | Scene Three

 

SCENE 3

Casca shifts from left to right and watches, amused

Brutus and Cassius sitting at Brutus’s inner courtyard

Brutus: I simply can’t understand it Cassius! Caesar is such an honourable man. He is a liberal and a visionary. For him to do something like this… it’s just so unexpected.

Cassius: It really isn’t. You are naïve my friend. Caesar has always been cunning and ruthless, it was your admiration that deluded you all these days. But after his speech today, you are finally beginning to see him for what he truly is. 

Brutus: But there has to be another explanation! He never had a problem with this kind of thing before. You know what I’m talking about. He seemed, in fact, even enthusiastic when I told him about my being….

Cassius: But he is Brutus, don’t you get it? This is all part of a bigger plan. It’s all just a game for him. It’s always been.

Brutus: What on earth do you mean?

Cassius: Look, this may be hard for you to digest, but it’s the truth and you’re going to have to accept it sooner or later. Caesar is just like us –

Brutus: You mean he also likes…

Cassius: Men. Yes my dear Brutus. Caesar puts men before women in more ways than you may think. 

Brutus: But this is a grave accusation. How can you be so sure?

Cassius: You wouldn’t believe me if I told you my love.

Brutus: You underestimate my faith in you Cassius, I trust you as much as I –

Cassius: He loves you

Brutus: Ok fine. I overestimate my faith in you.

Cassius: See? This is exactly why I don’t tell you things like this. You never believe me. You brush them of as possessive jealousies.

Brutus (going over and putting his arm around Cassius): But they are endearing– I never said I dislike them.

Cassius (pushing him away): You just don’t get it, do you? You think I’m being paranoid and jealous but I’m not.

Brutus: Look Cassius I feel very deeply for you, but you have to admit that the accusation you are making is fanciful.

Cassius (in a low and aggressive voice): Why do you think Caesar is obsessed with Pompey?

Brutus: Enough. No more of your conspiracy theories. Please.

Cassius: What is it Brutus? Are you afraid to hear the truth? You can’t bear the thought of your oh-so-honourable Caesar being a goddamn fraud?

Brutus: Goodbye Cassius. (exits)

Cassius angrily watches him go, then sits down and puts his face in his hands. Lights out.

Casca (laughing condescendingly): I bet he’s going to end up coming to me.