IMPERIUM PART I: CONSPIRATOR

About the show

Mike Poulton turned his pen to the thrilling world of Ancient Rome with a brand-new version of Robert Harris’ best-selling Cicero Trilogy. Cicero, the greatest orator of his age, devoted all his energy and cunning to preserve the rule of law, and defend Rome’s Republic against the predatory attacks of political rivals, discontented aristocrats, and would-be military dictators. Imperium follows Cicero’s triumphs and disasters, through power struggles, civil wars, and personal highs and lows, told through the eyes of Tiro, his loyal secretary. A backstage view of Rome at its most bloody and brutal. After a sell-out season in the Swan Theatre, Gregory Doran's epic, acclaimed productions of Imperium: The Cicero Plays, based on the bestselling Cicero Trilogy by Robert Harris and adapted by Mike Poulton, played at the Gielgud Theatre, London until 8 September 2018. Cicero is elected consul by a unanimous vote of the Roman people. Catiline, his aristocratic rival, is furious in defeat and refuses to accept the results of the election. He swears a blood oath to destroy Cicero, murder the government, and take Rome by force. Behind the conspiracy, Cicero suspects, lurks Julius Caesar – young, ruthless, popular with the Roman mob and greedy for absolute power. As law and order begins to break down, who controls the mob controls Rome: Cicero, Catiline, Caesar or the charming but vicious playboy, Publius Clodius?