In early June, the auditorium inside San Quentin Rehabilitation Center’s new Learning Center was christened by talented incarcerated thespians who performed their rendition of William Shakespeare’s play “Antony and Cleopatra.”

The play opened with Bruno Mars’ song “24K Magic.” Original rap lyrics supplanted Mars’ words and were sung to fit 21st century San Quentin, which brought the centuries-old theatrical work forward to give the audience a more contemporary feel.

Mark Antony, played by Gabriel Moctezuma, and Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, played by Angie Gordon, opened the play with dialogue. 

“A lot of groups in prison are about checking boxes,” said Gordon. “Honestly, and truthfully, this group is my family. It helps me survive prison.” 

Between scenes the sound of a trumpet was mimicked with voice as impromptu improvisation when the trumpeter did not show for the performance. The audience watched and listened intently.

The story begins after the Roman Empire fought a civil war and the Triumvirate leaders, Octavius Caesar, played by Nythell Collins; Lepidus (Drown); and Mark Antony (Moctezuma) emerged to rule the empire as an alliance.

The actors’ months of rehearsal became immediately apparent through their use of old-world dialect as they adorned ancient costumes from an earlier period. Makeshift props, such as an Egyptian portrait hung like a tapestry, made for real stage imagery. The intimacy of the small venue in the new auditorium was similar to the contrast of a rock band concert performed in a stadium, versus an unplugged performance in a small lounge. The audience seemed receptive and pleased. 

In keeping with actors’ tradition, the cast members all held hands on the stage after their performance and took a bow before the audience. The applause after the two-hour performance was the indicator that everyone was pleased.

“This is our very first performance in this new space,” said Marianne Shine, an assistant with Shakespeare at San Quentin.

During a question-and-answer session after the play, the audience commented. “I thought it was brilliant,” said one woman who visited the prison.

“You can’t be your best without the cast being their best, and vice versa,” said Collins, who played Caesar.

Steve Drown (Lepidus) has been in the Shakespeare program for 14 years, starting at California State Prison Solano.

“I’m able to take things from those roles and apply them to my rehabilitation,” he said.