Trinity Repertory Company opens its 52nd season with William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. The production is designed to have the feel of our modern political world, (hence the suits pictured above).

The show also offers a surprising twist in casting. The title role of Julius Caesar will be played by a woman, Trinity Rep veteran Anne Scurria. (Julius Caesar’s wife, Calpurnia, will be played by a man — with a name change to Calpurnius.)

Rhode Island Public Radio’s morning host Chuck Hinman spoke with the production’s director Tyler Dobrowsky, and the show’s star Anne Scurria, about the gender switch, the modern interpretation, and allusions to current female political leaders, like Hillary Clinton.

Morning Edition Host Chuck became part of RIPR in 2012 after a career on commercial radio. He got his broadcasting start as an announcer for Off Track Betting Corporation in NYC. He’s been a news...