Moscow's Sfera theatre is concluding its season with a premiere of `Caesar and Cleopatra`. Bernard Shaw's historical play is filled with allusions to modern times.

Passion, political intrigue, and the thirst for power. Director Ekaterina Elanskaya says, she is presenting her view of the ancient times drama keeping the core of Bernard's Shaw's work unlike the British iconic film of 1945 starring Vivien Leigh and Claude Rains.

“It's about the struggle for power. How much the one who has power needs it. And how much happiness it can bring,” Ekaterina Elanskaya said.

Aleksandr Parra plays the leading part. He studied dozens of historical books and scientific theses about Julius Caesar before taking up the role. Now he has his own view of the relations between the Roman Emperor and Cleopatra.

“He wants her to take all his wisdom, all the experience his faults and victories gave him…so that she would never repeat his mistakes,” the actor said.

Irina Sidorova is the one who shows on stage how Cleopatra grows from a shy young girl into a powerful ruler.

“We agreed that she is just a little girl at the beginning. She even has a girlish stoop.  But at the end her shoulders are straightened. I am a queen!” Irina Sidorova explained. 

The performance will be shown to the public just several times before the season wraps up. Those who don't get a chance to see it this time will have to wait till the autumn.