Fresh looks at star-crossed lovers
TWO productions of William Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet are to be seen locally this week – one a film version of the recent London success co-directed by Kenneth Branagh, the other a student production teaming pupils of Michaelhouse and St John’s Diocesan School for Girls.
The film version is one of three productions from the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company during its year-long Plays at the Garrick season, at the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End.
Having been scheduled for screenings at Umhlanga’s Cinema Nouveau on Saturday, Sunday and last night, the film will now have final screenings at that Gateway cinema at 7.30pm on Saturday and 2.30pm on Sunday.
The local stage version, to be presented at Michaelhouse in Balgowan at 2pm on Sunday, then at 7pm on August 15, 16 and 17, has been directed and edited by William le Cordeur. It will celebrate both the 40th anniversary of the school’s Schlesinger Theatre and the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.
In the Branagh production, he and co-director Rob Ashford present a modern, passionate version of the classic tragedy, starring Richard Madden and Lily James (the stars of Branagh’s celebrated film, Cinderella) as the title characters.
Also featured are Sir Derek Jacobi as Mercutio and Meera Syal as The Nurse, while others among the cast include Marisa Berenson, Jack Colgrave Hirst, Tom Hanson, Matthew Hawksley, Taylor James, Pip Jordan, Ansu Kabia, Racheal Ofori, Nikki Patel, Chris Porter, Zoë Rainey, Michael Rouse, Samuel Valentine and Kathryn Wilder.
The play tells of a longstanding feud between Verona’s Montague and Capulet families that brings about devastating consequences for the two young lovers caught in the conflict.
The running time for the film, shot in high-definition black and white, is two hours and 45 minutes, including a 15minute interval.
Branagh has gone on record to say: “Where theatremaking and film-making meet is exciting. The cinema broadcasts of our plays hope to challenge the possibilities of this relationship. We have a team of people who are experienced in both worlds. The potential results, particularly in exploring the magic of Shakespeare, should be fascinating.”
“Romeo and Juliet is possibly one of the best-known of Shakespeare’s plays. It is a timeless tale of love and youthful passion, relevant for all of us, but especially for our teenage performers,” says Le Cordeur, who is also director of Michaelhouse’s Schlesinger theatre.
“Our talented cast have set their Verona in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, subtly suggesting this change of geography and era through costume and set rather than through change to the language and accent.
“The language is edited, for ease of understanding and length, but largely the Bard’s original form has been stuck to, in all five acts. Romeo and Juliet promises to be an exciting, entertaining and easy introduction into the world of William Shakespeare,” said Le Cordeur.
Tickets for the production at Michaelhouse cost R60 each, including tea, and can be booked at www.ticket hut.co.za/michaelhouse or by phoning 033 234 1314 (week-days between 8am and 1pm).