Eddie George takes on 'Julius Caesar' in Nashville
Former Titans player enjoys challenge of Shakespeare
Jan. 8, 2012
Written by
Fiona Soltes | For The Tennessean
Brian Webb Russell, left, as Brutus, Eddie George as Julius Caesar and Eric D. Pasto-Crosby as Mark Antony in Nashville Shakespeare Festival?s Julius Caesar. / JEFF FRAZIER
Denice Hicks, Nashville Shakespeare Festival?s artistic director, finds that actors ? even professional ones ? often rear back like horses when faced with the playwright?s work.
But for the upcoming production of Julius Caesar, Hicks has seemingly landed a thoroughbred in terms of facing obstacles head-on. Eddie George, the former Tennessee Titans running back who has earned an MBA and fostered an acting career since leaving the field in 2005, takes on the title role in the Jan. 10-29 production.
And it wasn?t just his commanding presence or strong voice that landed him the part; Hicks, who personally encouraged him to audition after teaching a workshop he attended, says she was thoroughly impressed by ?how dedicated he is to the craft of acting.?
?It?s an artful partnership,? she says. ?I wanted it to be a good match. As challenging as Shakespeare is for all actors, I admire Eddie?s courage to step up where a lot of others are afraid. And Caesar needs that kind of courage, that ability to step up.?
Hicks is seated next to George at Bongo Java Roasting Co. as she sings his praises. He reaches out to touch her shoulder, then pauses before offering her a sincere and hushed thanks.
?It is tough,? he says. ?But I?ve always been drawn to challenges.?
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