What does The Tragedy of Julius Caesar sound like in 2026?
Power. Ambition. Betrayal. A crowd ready to be persuaded—and a republic pushed to the brink.
As New York Classical Theatre gets ready for our summer production (June 2–July 5 in parks across NYC), we put together a playlist inspired by the characters and forces driving the play. If Caesar, Brutus, Cassius, and Antony had headphones… this might be what they’d be listening to!
🎧 The Playlist
1. “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” – Tears for Fears
Brutus, quietly realizing how fragile everything is.
2. “HUMBLE.” – Kendrick Lamar
Confidence, control, and a carefully managed image. Caesar again.
3. “The World Is Not Enough” – Garbage
Caesar energy. Power isn’t the goal—it’s the starting point.
4. “Bad Blood” – Taylor Swift
When friendship turns—and there’s no going back.
5. “No Church in the Wild” – Jay-Z / Frank Ocean
Cassius living in a world where power outruns morality.
6. “This Is America” – Childish Gambino
Antony after the speech—chaos under control.
7. “Control” – Halsey
Brutus trying to hold it together… and not quite succeeding.
8. “Seven Nation Army” – The White Stripes
The sound of something unstoppable building.
9. “Take Me to Church” – Hozier
Moral conviction—whether it’s right or not.
10. “Bury a Friend” – Billie Eilish
Calpurnia knows something is wrong.
11. “Formation” – Beyoncé
Power, presence, and absolute command. Caesar at his peak.
12. “Radioactive” – Imagine Dragons
The moment after everything changes.
13. “You Know I’m No Good” – Amy Winehouse
Cassius, self-aware but still pushing forward.
14. “Exit Music (For a Film)” – Radiohead
The quiet aftermath. The cost.
15. “Time Is Running Out” – Muse
Pressure building—decisions closing in.
16. “Alright” – Kendrick Lamar
The crowd finding its voice.
17. “Burn the House Down” – AJR
Escalation disguised as necessity.
18. “Glory and Gore” – Lorde
Violence becomes spectacle.
19. “I Know the End” – Phoebe Bridgers
Brutus, realizing where this is all headed.
20. “The Man” – Taylor Swift
Power, perception, and who gets to hold it.
What would you add? Let us know!