This collage of Shakespeare’s play, which runs for eighty
minutes, is the acoustic version, without the full-on electronics, hence
‘unplugged’ in the title. It has been compiled by master educator,
publisher and writer, Robin Malan and adapted by popular, leading actress
Anthea Thompson, who will also direct the play.
The action of the play, which is being staged in a spare and
thrilling manner, explores the lives of the five young people who die in
the course of Shakespeare’s play: Star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet,
Mercutio, Tybalt, and Paris. None of these young people needed to die.
Were their deaths the result of accidents, mistakes, cross-purposes,
thoughtless revenge or destiny? Does it matter why they died? Were their
deaths meaningless? Or does Shakespeare at least enshrine them in
resolution, in reconciliation? A modern, zesty production designed for the
young and especially for Grade 12 learners.
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Managing Director of Siyasanga, Fatima Dike, says “I love
Siyasanga’s work out in the communities because professional live
performances excite our young people to aspire to the creative arts as
they watch the young theatre professionals playing their roles.”
Romeo ‘n Juliet Unplugged stars an energetic and attractive, young cast
with whom learners will easily identify and all the actors play a number
of roles: Crystal Donna Roberts principally plays Juliet and Thulani
Cekiso plays Romeo, Briony Horwitz plays Lady Capulet, Phakamisa Zwedala
(seen recently in Artscape’s highly acclaimed production of The Return)
plays Tybalt, Anele Situlweni plays Mercutio, while Lungi Phinda plays
Capulet and the Nurse.
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