Shakespeare Now! Theatre Company to Stage
Romeo and Juliet in the Middle East

October 25, 2002

Shakespeare Now! Theatre Company will present Shakespeare's timeless love story, Romeo and Juliet, November 7–24, 2002, at Ellsworth Theatre, Pine Manor College, in Chestnut Hill.

The production will be set in contemporary Israel, with the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis as the centerpiece of the play. "The Middle East, with its seemingly never-ending strife and horrific loss of life, is unfortunately a highly relevant setting for Romeo and Juliet. The teenagers find a safe haven in their love for each other, while the world around them is engaged in a bloody civil war," says Linda Lowy, Shakespeare Now!'s artistic director.

The production is directed by local actor and director Dev Luthra and will feature solo violin incidental music by renowned Massachusetts violinist Stanley Silverman, and choreography by IRNE award-winning choreographer Kirsten McKinney.

Romeo and Juliet will be staged at Ellsworth Theatre, Pine Manor College, 400 Heath Street, Chestnut Hill (near the Chestnut Hill T stop on the Green Line), from Thursday, November 7, through Sunday, November 24, Thursday through Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.. Tickets are $18 general admission and $16 seniors and students.

Shakespeare Now! Theatre Company was recently named Theatre Company in Residence at Pine Manor College. During the Spring, the company travels to Massachusetts schools performing condensed versions of Shakespeare's plays and conducting student workshops.

For tickets and other information, call Shakespeare Now! Theatre Company at (781) 326-3643. Visit the company Web site at www.shakespearenow.org.