Shakespeare’s R&J Actors Excited About Classic Play
    Curtains will rise on Friday, April 10 for Joe Calarco’s critically acclaimed adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Rome and Juliet, to be directed by a Brooklyn College M.F.A. candidate, William Addis, in The New Workshop Theater at Whitman Hall.
    Hailed by the Wall Street Journal as “the most innovative re-imagining of a classic in years,” Shakespeare’s R&J received the 1998 Lucille Lortel Award. It combines four male actors, an empty space, and the greatest romance in the English language to uncover the danger, terror, and eroticism of Shakespeare's original love story Romeo & Juliet. Set in a contemporary all-boys' prep school, the stripped-down adaptation explores masculinity, sexuality, and the coming-of-age process.
    MM had a chance to talk to the actors during a rehearsal about the play and their work with Director William Addis.
    José Rivera (B.F.A., second year), plays Student No. 1 and Romeo. “The play has additional layers of meaning and allows you to explore the students not as characters but as actual people. William just gives you the freedom to be yourself without restrictions.”
    Collin McConnell (B.F.A., second year), plays Student No. 2, Benvolio, and Juliet. “The character I get to play explores the boy and the girl within the boy – the other side of sexuality. As you know, in Shakespeare’s time there were no women actors. What’s great about working with William is that he’s open and doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. We search for them collectively.”
    Ugo Chekwu (B.F.A., third year), plays Student No. 3, Mercutio, Capulet, and Friar Lawrence. “This is unlike anything you’ve seen of Shakespeare, a completely different feel to it. As a director, William is not only easy going and approachable, but gives us a lot of insight about the dramaturgic experience.”
    Alexander G. Romanitan (B.F.A., third year), plays Student No. 4, Juliet’s Nurse, Balthasar, and Tybalt. “The play mirrors the reality of the students in the Catholic school in the play. I’ve worked with other directors, but William allows the actors to participate more and discover the characters they play.”
    Performances of Shakespeare's R & J will be held at 7:30 PM on April 10-12 (Thurs-Sat) and at 2:00 PM on April 12-13 (Sat-Sun). Tickets are $5. For more information, call the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts box office at (718) 951-4500, or visit http://depthome.brooklyn.cuny.edu/theater.

Photo (top row, from left): Andy Midkiff (assistant stage manager) and José Rivera; (bottom row) Lindsey Clinton (stage manager), Ugo Chekwu, Collin McConnell, and Alexander Romanitan