Romeo and Juliet (Kings County Shakespeare Company)

Directed by Vicki Hirsch, Kings County Shakespeare Company’s production of Romeo and Juliet has been conceived to cast a harsh light on the universality and timelessness of the insanity of violence as played out in Shakespeare’s text: the plea shared by individuals throughout the world that similar and neighboring peoples should stop killing each other for reasons they no longer remember. Today, more than ever before, Romeo and Juliet is germane to present events.

This will be an “original practice” production: the term refers to productions of Shakespeare’s time, when plays were performed during the day in natural light (as in the Globe Theatre) or by candlelight when indoors (as at Blackfriars). There are minimal sets, no stage lights (general lighting only, which illuminates both performers and audience with no changes or special effects) and, most importantly, actor/audience interaction. This style leads to a very up-close, dynamic theatrical experience.

There will be a preview performance on Thursday, July 8 at 8pm.