The most famous young lovers in the world will return to Charleston this month for the College of Charleston’s production of “Romeo & Juliet: Cuts and Kisses.”
“Romeo and Juliet: Cuts and Kisses” is the classic tale of Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet as they defy their families and risk their lives for love. The star-crossed teens, played by Emma Bennett (Juliet) and Natalie Holland (Romeo), along with the ensemble cast, have been reimagined to resonate with younger audiences.
“All of us, young, old and in-between, have fallen in love,” said Evan Parry, associate professor and head of theatre performance at the College of Charleston. “Many of us have fallen in love at first sight, fought over a loved one. Every person has felt that they weren’t heard or respected at one time or the other. So we can all relate to one or more of these characters.”
The production, being put on in partnership with the Charleston Library Society, will be a 60-minute condensed version of the five-act play. It will be a look into the journey of youth, love, and violence.
“Shakespeare is for everyone, even when we don’t understand every single word,” said Parry. “It’s a play about two teenagers who don’t accept the grudge that their families have fostered. They choose each other, despite the wishes of their families. We’re not making Shakespeare’s language modern, just trying to relate it to contemporary behavior.”
The show itself will blend traditional Shakespeare with a modern environment, says Parry.
“The actors will be in modern dress,” said Parry, “Shakespeare’s actors frequently used their own wardrobe for plays, the equivalent of today’s modern-dress productions, despite wearing swords.”
The play will focus mainly on the first half of Shakespear’s original play highlighting the romance and infatuation between Romeo and Juliet.
“The tone of the production will be fun, by turns comic, romantic and kinetic, with several dynamic swordfights,” Parry said.
“Because ’Romeo & Juliet’ is technically a tragedy, choosing to focus on the first half of the play hopefully allows us to focus on the romance, comedy and action that today’s audience will hopefully find exciting.”
The College of Charleston’s Department of Theatre and Dance has previously performed at Spoleto USA and Piccolo Spoleto. It has also partnered with the Charleston Library Society for the past four years through its annual “Shakespeare on the Steps” series.
That partnership fostered what Rachael Yon, communications and events coordinator for the Charleston Library Society, called an “immediate connection.”
“The Charleston Library Society has been around for 278 years as an institution, so older than the city, which is crazy,” said Yon, “College of Charleston, specifically our founders, who founded the library were also involved in founding the college and the Charleston Museum.”
The college, founded in 1770, is the oldest college or university in South Carolina.
Yon said the College’s relationship to the Library Society is rooted in a desire to remain relevant for younger generations.
“We want to make sure that art and culture are not stopping after you graduate from college and that it’s still a passion,” she said.
The Library Society has been a resource for the college, opening its extensive Shakespeare archives and related literature to the theatre department and students.
Yon said a special aspect of the organization is that, while private, its commitment to accessibility remains strong. Students receive free admission to programming and events with a valid ID, and library programs are open to everyone.
IF YOU WANT TO GO:
“Romeo & Juliet: Cuts and Kisses” will be performed Friday, June 5, at 5 p.m. and Saturday, June 6, at noon and 6 p.m. at the Simons Center Black Box Theatre, 54 St. Philip St.
Admission is $16 for general admission and $12 for students and seniors. The performance runs approximately 60 minutes without intermission.
Jordyn Britton is an arts journalism and communications graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.
