Tyranny shown artistically

His full name was Nero Claudius Caesar August Germanicus. He was known as Nero Claudius Drusus Germanicus. And his original name was Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus.

But you probably know him as just Nero, the emperor who supposedly fiddled as Rome burned.

And you’ll find out a lot more about Rome’s fifth emperor in Pulitzer-finalist Amy Freed’s new play, “You, Nero,” which premieres at South Coast Repertory on Sunday.

Nero was a pretty nasty tyrant, known for his narcissism, and a cruel streak that extended to even killing his own mother.

“Another side of Nero is that he was a good performer and lover of the arts,” director Sharon Ott said. “He was in some ways loved by crowds for his support and promotion of the arts.”

The satire, spun into more modern context, tells the story of Nero and his put-upon playwright Scribonius, who is commissioned by Nero to write a play that will turn public opinion in his favor.

As the two men review the script, Nero misinterprets much of what Scribonius has written to turn his image around, fueling Nero to commit even more tyranny and murderous acts.

Nero decides he doesn’t need a playwright after all, but will go onstage himself, unscripted at the Colosseum.

While the actual plot is fiction, much of the play is based on the true “wild and crazy events” of Nero’s life and the fall of the Roman Empire, Ott said.

“The show is also addressing a common concern in our culture in terms of entertainment,” she said. “Amy uses the play in a marvelous way to talk about art and culture in our time, through Nero’s desire to be an artist.

“It’s great fun to delve into that crazy world which resembles our own, and it’s done in such a hilarious and entertaining way.”

Danny Scheie, who plays Nero, said in addition to his interest in ancient Rome, he wanted to play the part because he finds Freed’s script brilliant.

“Her writing is just so smart, funny and theater-licious,” he said. “People will enjoy the show because it does things only theater can do that film can’t.”

IF YOU GO

WHAT: “You, Nero”

WHEN: Sunday through Jan. 25

WHERE: South Coast Repertory, Folino Theatre Center, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

INFORMATION: Tickets are $20 to $45 for previews, $28 to $64 for regular showings. Call (714) 708-5555 or visit www.scr.org for more information.