“Romeo and Juliet” comes to USD stage

The lights in the Wayne S. Knutson Theatre dimmed and the curtain opened as students began rehearsing for a production that hasn’t been performed at the University of South Dakota since 1990.

Faculty of the Theatre Department said choosing “Romeo and Juliet” for its final production of the fall semester was a simple decision, as the classic tale is one most can appreciate. 

“It was a logical choice,” said director and assistant professor Chaya Gordon-Bland. “It’s a gem of a play — a classic. Everyone has studied it in school, and we haven’t done ‘Romeo and Juliet’ for many years.”

Gordon-Bland said the decision was based on a number of factors, including the educational value of the play, its popularity and the practical use of a fine arts degree students involved with the production would get.

After months of auditions and rehearsals, students are ready to show their hard work and share their love for William Shakespeare, with the opening show set for Friday night.

Senior Ceci Quintero, who plays Juliet, said she is excited to perform the part of a passionate character.

“I haven’t done Shakespeare for a long time,” Quintero said. “(Juliet) is logical and understanding.”

She said the most challenging part of her role is trying to remember how it felt to never have been in love and never have been kissed.

First-year Nick Akins plays Romeo and said he was both honored and surprised by his role.

“I thought it would be good to introduce myself into Shakespeare not expecting to get a part, but then I got the part of Romeo,” he said.

The play, which usually runs for three hours, was cut down to about two and a half hours, eliminating some characters. Gordon-Bland said the play will still have the essential parts, including Friar Lawrence, whose scenes are sometimes cut.

Played by senior Casey Coates, Friar Lawrence serves as an essential part to mending the hate between the Capulet and Montague families. Overall, Coates is excited to be in the play.

“There are so many elements to the show — depth and complexity,” Coates said. “The love-hate theme is universal and has made it as famous as it seems.”

Gordon-Bland said the play will reach a wide range of people. 

“Thematically, I believe the play has something to say to today’s audiences,” she said.

With themes like love, hate and conflict between societies, the timeless play is still considered relevant, she said.

“These (themes) are pertinent, and Shakespeare is speaking to that,” Gordon-Bland said. “‘Romeo and Juliet’ is about reconciliation, and although it is the youth that dies, it makes the adult audiences understand (how it lead to it).”

She said the innocence of the young love has a stronger message about what a hateful society can do to young minds.

“Ultimately, love prevails, in a broader way,” Gordon-Bland said. “The society boxed (Romeo and Juliet) in and they were forced to make bad choices.”

Although Romeo and Juliet die, it is the love the parents have for their children that ends in a reconciliation, she said.

Akins said although most students have likely read the story, seeing it performed is more rewarding and easier to understand.

“I would urge anybody to see it, to see the true beauty of Shakespeare,” he said.

The play will open Friday and continue Saturday night, picking up again Dec. 3-6 at 7:30 p.m., with matinee shows Nov. 23 and Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. Student tickets are $5 with a student ID, $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and $10 for youth and non-USD students.

(Photo: Romeo, played by first-year Nick Akins, bends over a dying Paris, played by senior Steve Schaeffer, during rehearsals for “Romeo and Juliet” Nov. 13 in the Warren M. Lee Center for Fine Arts. Anna Glenski / The Volante)