Julius Caesar Part 2 Talks

Alongside selected performances of First Encounters: Julius Caesar, our programme of Part 2s invites campaigners, educators, artists, community leaders, young people and our audiences in Stratford-upon-Avon into conversation.

Who gets to shape society? What happens when leaders fail? Who influences the next generation? Can culture change lives? And when systems seem broken, what can ordinary people do?

Alongside selected performances of First Encounters: Julius Caesar, our programme of Part 2s invites campaigners, educators, artists, community leaders, young people and our audiences in Stratford-upon-Avon into conversation. Together we'll explore the urgent questions at the heart of this play and this relevant and inspiring new production, and connect them to the world around us today.

Please note that all of the below details, including questions and guest speakers, are subject to change.

The Conversation Themes

Can Art Save Lives?

First Encounters_ Julius Caesar production photos_ taken at Ormiston Bushfield Academy_ September 2026_2026_c_ Helen Maybanks_436396

Can art create lasting change? Can creativity support wellbeing, build stronger communities or even change or save lives? Join artists, cultural leaders and young people as we explore the power and limits of art to make a difference. 

11 November following the 7pm performance 

27 November following the 7pm performance 

Who is Influencing the Next Generation - and to What Effect?

First Encounters_ Julius Caesar production photos_ taken at Ormiston Bushfield Academy_ September 2026_2026_c_ Helen Maybanks_436250

Young people today are influenced by teachers, families, youth workers, activists, creators, influencers, campaigners and peers. But whose voices are having the greatest impact? 

12 November following the 1pm performance 

25 November following the 7pm performance

Is the Education System Failing Vulnerable Young People?

First Encounters_ Julius Caesar production photos_ taken at Ormiston Bushfield Academy_ September 2026_2026_c_ Helen Maybanks_436278

This conversation asks whether current systems are serving those who need them most, and what meaningful change could look like – both in the education system that young people experience, and the impact of exclusion from it. 

16 November following the 7pm performance

17 November following the 7pm performance 

When Political Leadership Falls Short, How Can Ordinary Citizens Make Change?

First Encounters_ Julius Caesar production photos_ taken at Ormiston Bushfield Academy_ September 2026_2026_c_ Helen Maybanks_436188

This conversation focuses on individuals and communities creating change outside formal political structures. From grassroots action to national campaigns, we'll hear from people who have turned lack of agency into action.

Speakers Include:

18 November following the 7pm performance  

19 November following the 1pm performance  

Is Prison Ever the Right Place for Women? What Alternatives There Might Be

First Encounters_ Julius Caesar production photos_ taken at Ormiston Bushfield Academy_ September 2026_2026_c_ Helen Maybanks_436071

Drawing on lived experience, advocacy and research, we'll explore how society responds to women who enter the criminal justice system, and what alternatives can be explored. 

23 November following the 7pm performance

24 November following the 7pm performance 

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