Lives can change when a leader embarks on a journey of self-discovery, and audiences see just how much can unfold once that happens in “Julius X,” now at Folger Shakespeare Theatre until Oct. 26.

Blending William Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,” with the real life of freedom fighter Malcolm X, “Julius X,” is a mesmerizing tale by Al Letson and brought to life at Folger under the direction of Nicole Brewer.

Years ago, Letson wanted to be in a production of Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar,” but realized he would not be cast in his desired role.

“So I thought, I am going to write my own,” said Letson, who blends his words with Shakespeare’s in his script. “That was the impulse and ‘Julius X’ is what came out of it.”

From that idea, Letson examined the journeys of both Caesar, wh

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