A fast-moving thriller about a struggle for democracy, William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar is also a love story between two men united by an explosive act of political violence.

This new film of the play for BBC Four, made in collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Illuminations, accompanies the stage production for the World Shakespeare Festival which opened in June and is currently showing at the Noel Coward Theatre in London. Directed by Gregory Doran, the RSC's Artistic Director-designate, the modern dress production sets the action in post-independence Africa and features a distinguished all-black cast. Paterson Joseph is Brutus; Cyril Nri, Cassius; Caesar is played by Jeffery Kisson; and Mark Antony by Ray Fearon.

With echoes of the recent overthrow of dictators during the 'Arab Spring', the production explores the implications of political assassination and the unpredictability of its aftermath.

The British Museum will be screening the film outdoors on the Forecourt.

FREE - but booking essential

http://www.britishmuseumshoponline.org/

Photo: Casca (Joseph Mydell), Brutus (Paterson Joseph) and Cassius (Cyril Nri)