Journal #3

This segment is my opinion of Brutus and Cassius. My opinions are displayed through the words of "Lucas Byer".

[The segment below is from the fictional television show, Livin' Shakespeare!]

Lucas Byer is seated behind a small desk. Grinning at the audience.

Byer

Good evening, everyone, and welcome to Livin' Shakespeare!

The audience claps enthusiastically.

Byer

For the past week we've been talking about one of Shakespeare's tragedies, Julius Caesar. And tonight we have two special guests with us. First, ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce to you the murderous and dashingly handsome Caius Cassius!

The audience applauds. Caius Cassius comes on stage. Waves at the crowd. Sits down in a chair in front of Byer.

Byer

It's great to see you, Mr. Cassius.

Cassius smiles.

Caius

Please. Call me Caius.

Byer

Of course. So, Caius, tell me about your relationship with Caesar.

Caius

Sure. Caesar and I were sort of close. I mean, I did save his life a few years back. I thought we would've been even closer buds after that, but I guess I was wrong.

Byer

But I've heard from a few of my sources that you don't like him too much.

Caius fidgets.

Caius

Well, not really, I guess.

Byer

And why not?

Caius

He was weak. (scoffs) A man who can't swim? Even when he was ill, he begged for water from me like a sick girl.

Byer

As I recall, your original quote was "It doth amaze me a man of such a feeble temper should so get the start of the majestic world and bear the palm alone." Did you think you could be a better ruler?

Caius

It wasn't just that. Caesar wasn't even from a political background. And his name, shouted in the streets! Why is his name better than any of ours?

Caius leaps to his feet angrily. Byer shakes his head.

Byer

I'd have to say that I don't agree with you. Just because he is weak and was not born a ruler doesn't mean that you should assassinate him.

Caius

What are you talking about? How dare you accuse me!

Caius tries to attack Byer. Byer stands up.

Byer

Security!

Two security guards run on to the stage. Drag Caius away. Byer takes a breath. Straightens his tie. Sits back down.

Byer

I'm sorry for that interruption, ladies and gentlemen. But for now, please welcome the man of the hour, Caesar's best friend, Marcus Brutus!

The audience applauds. Marcus Brutus enters stage right. Waves to the audience.

Random Audience Member #1

I love you, Brutus!

Brutus grins widely. Points at the crowd as he continues toward his seat.

Brutus

And I love you, random citizen!

Brutus sits down. Byers smiles. Shakes Brutus' hand.

Byer

Well. it seems that we've got a favorite tonight!

Brutus

Thank you, Lucas.

Byer

So, Brutus... I can call you 'Brutus', right?

Brutus

Of course.

Byer

What is your opinion of Julius Caesar?

Brutus sighs. Shrugs.

Brutus

He was okay, I guess. We were the best of friends forever. But then Caius approached me with his plan.

Byer looks interested.

Byer

And what plan was that?

Brutus

He wanted me to help him kill Caesar.

The audience gasps.

Byer

Wow.

Brutus

Yeah. But I told Caius that I loved Caesar like a brother, although I didn't approve of him being king. But I wasn't jealous of Caesar, I did tell Caius that.

Byer lets out a breath.

Byer

Well, I'd have to say that I agree with you more than I agree with Caius. Jealousy is definitely not a reason to kill such a ruler.

Brutus

Of course you are right.

Byer

Well. That's all the time we have for tonight.

Byer turns to the audience.

Byer

I'm Lucas Byer...

Brutus

And I'm Marcus Brutus.

Byer

And this is Livin' Shakespeare, wishing you a good night!

The audience applauds. Byer and Brutus shake hands. The camera pans out. Credits roll. Brutus whispers in Byer's ear.

Byer

I don't believe it!

Byer gestures to the camera.

Byer

Keep rolling! Keep rolling!

The credits stop. Camera zooms in. Byer turns to the audience.

Byer

I don't believe this, everyone, but Brutus has just confessed to being another murderer of the king!

Brutus grins proudly.

Brutus

It's true, all right.

Two security guards rush on stage. Brutus pulls out a sword.

Brutus

Ha!

The security guards pull out a pair of tasers. Brutus drops the sword.

Brutus

Oh, merda.

The security guards tase Brutus. Brutus falls limply to the ground. The security guards pick him up and carry him off stage. Byer grins at the audience.

Byer

Again, that is all for tonight! Thank you, everybody!

Byer turns away. The credits roll. Byer murmurs to himself.

Byer

Man, I cannot keep doing this!

End scene.