WARRINGTON Collegiate Performing Arts students went to the home of Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon, to perform Romeo and Juliet with a difference.
The students performed at The Dell, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Open Air Theatre, without sounds or words, instead telling the story through a sequence of dramatic pieces.
The audience appreciation of the play was phenomenal, a second performance was requested and to the delight of the students the audience included cast members from the RSC as well as the general public.
Steven Smith, Events Organiser for the Shakespeare Open Air Theatre Festival at the RSC, was enthusiastic in his thanks, saying: “Once again, thanks to you and your group for a great show which worked perfectly for The Dell at The RSC.”
Deborah Clitheroe Performing Arts Lecturer at Warrington Collegiate, and Course Leader for Theatrical and Special Effects Make-up, added: “I was so proud of the students and all their hard work. This was a difficult and challenging piece to work through, however I feel the students performed brilliantly and totally immersed themselves in the work.”
The beauty of the story was captured in movement and performed so the narrative was constant throughout. Bold, feisty, emotional and full of artistic truth, this production really pushed the boundaries of where Shakespeare’s text can go.
Performing Arts student, Jake Liken, aged 19 from Latchford, who took the role of Romeo, said: “We worked in a group every day for so long and became really close, totally supporting and encouraging each other in exploring and experimenting in telling the story without words. Not everything that we tried worked and some that we thought wouldn’t work came out really well on stage.
“I feel I have developed both as an actor and also in my understanding of movement and dance for character roles. It was brilliant to have the opportunity to work on such an amazing project and to work with a director who takes time out to work individually to help with character development.”
Pictured: Emma Shukie as Juliet and Jake Liken as Romeo
Shakespeare at Stratford without words
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
