Inside Iowa State: Iowa State University

February 14, 2003

ISU Theatre production focuses on tragedy

It won't be your Heartbreak High version of Romeo and Juliet.

In fact, Director Robin Stone doesn't even consider the upcoming ISU Theatre production of the play to be a romantic love story.

"We're approaching this story as the tragedy that it is," said Stone, assistant professor of theatre. "We are emphasizing the ideas that are relevant now, with regard to human emotion in a world of hatred and violence. A lot of people have seen brighter, happier versions of this play, but that's not what they'll see with this production."

A cast of 19 will perform Romeo and Juliet, which opens Friday, Feb. 28, in Fisher Theater. The classic Shakespeare tale of two young lovers and their long-feuding families is considered by many among the most beloved plays of all time. The ISU Theatre rendition will feature several fight scenes, choreographed by guest combat choreographer Paul Steger, a professor at Florida State University.

"The challenge has been in finding ways this play can serve as metaphors of our society and our time," Stone said, "in finding ways to effectively communicate those themes and ideas with the poetic language.

"Students are experiencing lots of epiphanies during this process," he continued. "We continue to find moments we can all relate to, moments that seemed hidden before we examined them."

Romeo and Juliet will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28, March 1, 7 and 8, and at 2 p.m. on March 2 and 9. Tickets ($11 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and $5.50 for students) are available at the Iowa State Center ticket office or by calling 4-3347.