Gay caligula

Cicero ridiculed this account in fourteen malicious Philipics, mentioning, inter alia, the escape of the future triumvir over the roofs from the angry father of his lover. Tickets are $30 and $25 for students and seniors. He also forced an actor called Pylades out of Rome for making an obscene gesture at somebody in the audience with his middle finger.

All a far cry from the sexual liberality of the young Octavian!

DISCOVER: LGBT men hanged in 18th century London

Tiberius: Tiberius took the reins of power after Augustus died.

Despite the lack of four-legged animals, there will be enough cross-dressing, seduction, intrigue, partial nudity and, yes, gay-drama to keep you entertained.

Directed by the fabulously quirky Carlos Díaz, “Caligula” puts a gay twist on Albert Camus’ existential play about the over-indulgent and self-destructive tyrant. What you wore designated your position in society so emperors wearing dresses or imitating the Gods was not a good thing.

In 326 CE, Constantine the Great introduced the death penalty for homosexual acts, leading to persecution and the disappearance of sexual freedom. Octavian was also said to have cemented his alliance with Julius Caesar in between the sheets. It was often suggested – probably rightly – that they were lovers.

The kingdom of Bithynia was a client state of the empire and Julius spent what was widely felt to be an inordinate period of time with its ruler, King Nicomedes IV.

Much older than Julius Caesar – and unfavourably portrayed as a lecherous geriatric ruling in the decadent East and coveting the youthful Roman. That didn’t stop Caesar being referred to behind his back as the Queen of Bithynia.

As we know, Octavian would go on to defeat all his enemies – including Mark Antony – and adopt the title Augustus. His rival for political power was the Roman alpha male, Mark Antony. To purchase, visit fundarte.us or ticketmaster.com; call the theater or 800-745-3000; or visit the Colony Theatre box office Tues.-Sun., noon–5 p.m.