Julius Caesar Synopsis
ACT I
Egypt, 48-47 BC, Caesar’s visit to Egypt
Caesar, his General Curius, and Caesar’s army enter Egypt in pursuit of Caesar’s enemy Pompey. Caesar & Curius are met by Cornelia and Sextus, Pompey’s wife and son, who have come to negotiate peace. When Caesar agrees to reconcile with Pompey he is presented with an unwelcome gift, by Achillas, an Egyptian General from the King of Egypt, Ptolemy. The gift is Pompey’s head. Caesar sends a message to King Ptolemy declaring he will punish him for the grotesque act, while Cornelia mourns the death of her husband and Sextus declares revenge for his father’s death.
Cleopatra learns of Pompey’s death and plans the ultimate revenge for the death of her brother. As she conspires to take sole control of the throne of Egypt, she visits Caesar disguised at Lydia, a poor maid who works in the palace and swears allegiance to Cleopatra, in an attempt to win his favor and support. Achillas tells King Ptolemy that he will murder Caesar for his threat on the King’s life in exchange for the widow Cornelia, whom he covets. Mourning the death of her husband, Cornelia attempts to kill herself, but is stopped by Sextus. Upon the arrival of Caesar, Cornelia, and Sextus at the Egyptian palace to seek revenge, Cornelia and Sextus are imprisoned.
ACT II
The Egyptian Palace
Cleopatra’s attendant Nirenus leads Caesar into a garden to be seduced by Cleopatra, who is still disguised as Lydia. When the visit is cut short, Nirenus assures him that “Lydia” will be waiting for him in her room that evening. Meanwhile, Cornelia, working in the garden for King Ptolemy, is approached by Achillas for the second time and she rejects him; she attempts another suicide and again is stopped by Sextus, just escaped from prison with Nirenus’ help. King Ptolemy orders Achillas to carry out his promise to kill Caesar.
Cleopatra awaits Caesar in her room disguised as Lydia and pretends to be asleep when he enters. The pair is interrupted by Curius warning Caesar that Achillas’ army is searching the palace to kill him. At this moment, Cleopatra reveals her identity and pleads with Caesar to flee, but he refuses and faces the army. Sextus attempts to kill King Ptolemy, but is stopped by Achillas. In his frustration and grief Sextus attempts suicide. Caesar flees and is said to have drowned at sea. King Ptolemy breaks his promise and refuses Achillas’ claim on Cornelia; the king demands that she share the King’s own bed.
ACT III
The port of Alexandria
King Ptolemy continues to refuse Achillas his promised reward which angers Achillas and forces him into an alliance with Cleopatra, who initiates an attack on the King. The King’s army defeats Cleopatra and she is taken prisoner. Caesar, who is indeed alive, washes ashore and witnesses Sextus and Nirenus discovering the wounded Achillas. Achillas gives Sextus the seal to command his troops and confesses to the murder of Pompey. Caesar takes the seal and swears that he will rescue Cornelia and Cleopatra.
Feeling defeated, Cleopatra is relieved to see Caesar come to her rescue after defeating Ptolemy’s army. While Cornelia is fighting with King Ptolemy, Sextus challenges and kills the King. Cleopatra offers to Caesar the King’s crown, but he declines and Cleopatra is named the queen of Egypt. Caesar and Cleopatra proclaim their love and the citizens of Egypt look forward to peace under the protection of Rome.
