The University’s School of the Arts Department will be displaying “Romeo vs. Juliet: Grudge Match” starting Wednesday, Oct. 9. It will be shown consecutively for five nights, with closing night being Sunday, Oct. 13. The production has been directed by Robert Fuson, assistant professor in the Cinematic Arts and Theatre Department.
This production features Jarrod Stocks, Harley Dauma, Kennedy Edwards, Mel Hart, Isabella King, Mary Alice Loring, Ava Marsh, Nicole Smith, K. P. Whisenant and Jazmine Smith.
In this rendition of the original Shakespeare play, the actors who play Romeo and Juliet are forced to compete and scheme against each other, resulting in murder. In addition to these main characters, another actor will take on the role of “The Announcer,” and this character oversees the entire production, ultimately controlling the fate of Romeo and Juliet.
This particular production will challenge how audiences engage in the theatre. Members of the audience can expect to be set in competition against each other, much like a traditional sporting event. Solely depending on where an audience member is seated, they will either be a Capulet or a Montague in order to honor the original Romeo and Juliet plot. Those sat as Capulets will show their support for Juliet, but those sat as Montagues will root for Romeo’s schemes.
In addition to rooting for their champion, members of the audience are encouraged to make suggestions and record scenarios on their phone. This goes along with the idea of taking back power in the theatre.
One of the most unique elements of this production, audience participation, influences every aspect of the show. After each round, the audience specifically chooses which character wins and who dies, changing the trajectory of the production.
In this regard, the play follows the Commedia Dell’arte model. This means the characters have been trained in improvised dialogue, as well as the art of stock characters, which are those that surround the main characters.
All members of the cast have been trained to play each stock character, and even they will not be aware as to which character they play until the random selection at the preshow of each night of production. So, the action sequences may have been rehearsed, but each character’s reaction and attitude will differ night by night, along with which cast member plays which stock character.
Overall, the production is meant to be highly entertaining, encouraging the audience to return to a separate night of the show. Each night will differ in regards to who wins what round, which cast member plays what stock character and any participation from the audience.
