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For the first time since 2006, Rosebriar Shakespeare Company (RSC), central Ohio’s only year-round Shakespearean theatre troupe, returns to Columbus for a one weekend special presentation of its edgy and post-modern production of the Bard’s most famous tragedy, romeo and juliet. Adapted and directed by Rosebriar’s Resident Director, Steve Emerson, romeo and juliet will run Friday, March 12 and Saturday, March 13 at 8pm in the black box theater located in the Gateway Film Center, 1550 North High Street St. Columbus, OH. RSC offers free tickets, with donations greatly appreciated. Seating for this engagement is extremely limited.


The company, now located in Groveport, sees the extension to Columbus as both a nod to its roots and as a step toward increasing its overall presence in the greater central Ohio region. The production played for two weekends to full houses in Groveport, in spite of inclement weather. Robert Weesner of TheatreVault.com praised the production, admitting that it's "Not your Mama's Bard" and advising audiences, "don't go in with any preconceived ideas... Under the direction of Steve Emerson, the focus for romeo and juliet is less about the two lovers, and more about the constant – and bloody – feud between their two families... one scene of mayhem after another." Full review available here.
Although commonly viewed as a romance, Emerson’s take on romeo and juliet emphasizes the darker side of the play, “It’s not just a love story. It’s also a hate story. Vendetta, jealousy, rage, indulgence, and ambition all have a strong presence in the play.†His post-modern Shakespeare employs mask work, rhythmic speech, and stylized movement. The production, heavily influenced by a commedia dell'arte aesthetic, utilizes a trimmed down cast of nine talented actors, each playing multiple roles, to create an eerie, carnival-like atmosphere.


Cast:
Manny Flowers: Friar Laurence/Prince/Abraham

Rudy Frias: Mercutio/Apothecary

Sarah Gehring: Juliet

Heather Green: Lady Capulet/Peter/Gregory

Angie Palmer: Tybalt/Lady Montague

Daniel Smail: Paris/Capulet

Curtiss B. Stewart, Jr.: Romeo

Krista Threadgill: Nurse/House of Monatgue
Christopher Boyd: Benvolio
Rosebriar Shakespeare offers free tickets to its performances, although donations are welcome. For more information call 614-209-9774. Visit http://www.rosebriarshakespeare.org for more information.
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