Director Richie Pepio's staging, originally his senior practicum presentation at Hofstra University, retains the traditional intentions and romantic chivalry of the piece while adjusting the script to emphasize the speed and magnitude at which the events are spiraling out of control. A unique overlapping of scenes, a variety of on stage swordfights (against the Neoclassical theory of keeping violence offstage) and artful tableaus emphasize the changing relationship between our star-crossed lovers, Rodrigo (The Cid) and Ximena, children of warring families, whose relationship isn't as ideal as it once seemed. With a design concept that pits the audience face to face from across the playing space, this production of Le Cid goes as far as to make you choose your side.