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Star-crossed lovers follow tragic course at Trustees
It would be easy to start this preview of the Savannah College of Art and Design’s media and performing arts production of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” with a trite reference such as “O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou, Romeo?”; Why, right here at the Trustees Theater! But that would be the easy way out of introducing the Bard’s perhaps most famous and oft-produced play. Not only that, but it would be downright disrespectful to the cast and crew who have worked so hard to make sure this production is unlike anything else. For one thing, it has the flavor of a graphic novel come to life. According to director and media and performing arts professor Barbara Williams, there are a number of reasons for that. “ This student body loves graphic novels,” she said. “Everyone seems to be into comic books so I think it will appeal to that.” Another reason for the nod can be attributed to girl power. “We cast a lot of women in male roles,” Williams said. “In comic books, women kick butt just as much as the men do.” The last reason is a more lofty concept. “It’s really one of the only items in our pop culture where the heroic/tragic paradigm is still held sacred,” she said. “These graphic novels are filled with battles, fights, religious iconography and fierce loyalty.” Ultimately, the goal is to make the play fresh and accessible. “It’s been done to death,” Williams said. “Everyone knows the story. I hope [our audience] will look at it differently if it is through the lens of the graphic novels they like so much.” According to set designer and media and performing arts professor Tyler Tunney, Williams’ concept made him very happy. “We’ve all suffered through the “Romeo and Juliet”s that are the Hatfields and the McCoys,” he said. “Barbara wanted to focus on the love and on the conflict, but didn’t want to place it [in a specific time and place]. As a designer, that was very freeing, very liberating, because then you can pull from anything.” In addition to the set filled with copper façades and a rose window, instilling the flavor of graphic novels into the production also led to pushing the envelope as far as costuming. Williams said Juliet’s family — the Capulets — will have the typical Elizabethan flavor while Romeo’s Montague clan will feature a more urban, contemporary street look. One look at media and performing arts senior Frank Boccia — Romeo — confirms that. Sporting a blond Mohawk, the ordinarily conservative Boccia looks like he is having the time of his life. His camaraderie and chemistry with Sunny Spahn, who plays Juliet, is obvious. The pair has nothing but good things to say about each other and the rest of the cast. “ I’m super excited about being in it and all of the people I’m working with. Being my last show with an ensemble does make it very special,” said Boccia, a veteran of many SCAD productions including “Ordinary People” and “Reefer Madness” who will be graduating in the spring. “Every performance at SCAD has been very special to me but this has rekindled a deep love of acting for me.” Spahn is equally gracious. “I was really shocked [to be cast as Juliet]. I don’t think anything really prepared me for it,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot from my other cast members. Frank blows me away. He’s taught me so much about finding your acting ability and listening.” And despite the many Romeos who have come before, Boccia said he kept an open mind. “Barbara has a unique vision and I’ve always approached the role with open eyes and with no prejudice or preconceived notions,” he said. “It’s been a challenge in terms of being raw and emotional. It’s so tragic and every actor in this cast gives so much of themselves.” As with any Shakespeare play, the language also is a challenge for both the actors and the audience. “Because it’s Shakes-peare, the text is really difficult,” Spahn said. “We’ve spent a lot of time learning what we’re saying and making it accessible... This is my favorite Shakespeare play. It’s a great story.” “ What makes the story interesting is the women. That’s what becomes fascinating,” Tunney said. “The moments of being in love, first in love — everyone knows what that feels like. She loves the best aspects of him; he loves the best aspects of her. This is great stuff.” William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is onstage Feb. 26-29 at Trustees Theater, 216 E. Broughton St. Thursday through Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m.; Sunday matinee beings at 3 p.m.; Trustees Theater, 216 E. Broughton St. Tickets are $10 for the general public, $5 for seniors and students, and free with a valid SCAD ID. Charge by phone at 525-5050 or purchase tickets at the SCAD box office, 216 E. Broughton St., Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets also may be purchased at the door. The box office opens one hour prior to the performance |
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