by Britty Johnson
The year at the University of West Georgia is filled with theatre productions you don’t want to miss, including the upcoming production of “The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.” Presented in the Dangle Black Box Theatre, audiences will literally have a front-row seat the action-packed story of two doomed lovers.
“The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet” will be directed by theatre professor Shelly Elman, who has also directed previous UWG Theatre productions, such as the 2014 production of Tony Award-winning musical “Cabaret.” This production will offer the audience a new perspective on the prevalently recreated Shakespearian classic tragedy, gracefully capturing the forbidden passion of Romeo and Juliet, two young lovers who – despite their families’ feud – are destined to be together.
“Every production is different because you have different people working on it and interpreting it from their own points of view,” Shelly explained. “But we wanted to make this production more about the audience—to have them participate in some way.”
Shelly hopes to tell this tale in a new, innovative way, making sure it’s both understandable and active, and creating societal ties to the audience to capture their interest. To do this, Shelly said she took a new approach to directing the play.
“How do we play to an audience who is immersed in social media, who doesn’t blink twice watching a ‘reality’ show where a camera follows you wherever you go, and who doesn’t have the same concept of privacy as other generations might have?” Shelly asked. “We answered that by having a live-feed camera on the set at all times so that the action not only plays live in front of the audience, but also plays on video screens above the action. We’re making our own reality show of this story.”
All students, faculty, and staff are welcome and encouraged to witness this refreshing and inventive production of “The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.” There has been a preview of the play created by UWG students and staff, which can be found at the UWG Theatre website, as well as a podcast created by the Theatre Dept.
Tickets for all performances are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, or free with UWG student ID. The curtain will go up at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11-14 and Nov. 18-21. Faculty and staff are offered a 2-for-1 deal (two tickets for $10) when you show your UWG ID. Remember, seating is limited so get your tickets soon! For more ticket information, please call 678-839-4722.
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