PRINTEvent of the week: Romeo & Juliet
Shakespeare Shaken Up
Joshua A. Bickel
Cast members rehearse the opening scenes of Romeo and Juliet. Ethiopian doors, Japanese weapons and onstage combat scenes are all facets of the World Theatre Workshop’s production of Shakespeare’s tragedy.
February 28, 2008 | 12:00 a.m. CST
Imagine Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet transported from the traditional Italian setting to Africa, Asia or the Middle East. The MU Department of Theatre’s World Theatre Workshop hosts a new version of Shakespeare’s play with an international twist. Participants of the workshop developed the script, and, from Fri. Feb. 29 through Sun. March 9, the performance brings together actors from all over Columbia.
Director Dr. Clyde Ruffin founded the workshop 27 years ago, but has never brought the quintessential Shakespearian drama to the stage.
What: Romeo and Juliet
When: Fri. Feb. 29, Sat. March 1, Thurs. March 6, Fri. March 7, Sat. March 8, 8 p.m.; Sun. March 9,
2 p.m.
Where: Rhynsburger Theater
Cost: $8 - 10
Call: 882-7529
“I understood it was about discrimination, respect, disrespect, gang violence and all of these issues that are very complex,” says Ruffin. “The story of Romeo and Juliet was timeless and universal, and it resonates in all cultures.”
