Julius Caesar

It's a great thing to introduce kids to performing Shakespeare, to present drama as something fun and active and not difficult or impenetrable. The Young Shakespeare Players have been doing that since 1980 and even have their own dedicated theater near Trader Joe's. The troupe's current play is Julius Caesar, one of The Bard's more straightforward tragedies, and also one of the shorter plays. That said, there's no shortage of mayhem and intrigue, and some of the great speeches. Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears! At 6 p.m. on July 21-22, 27 and 30, and 1 pm, July 24 & 31.

All performances are free, and tickets are not needed. All performances are at the Young Shakespeare Players Playhouse, 1806 West Lawn Ave., Madison 53711 (behind Trader Joe's).