Shakespeare in
the meadow

The summer festivities on Saltspring Island have expanded this summer to include Graffiti Theatre's production of Romeo and Juliet for nine performances in Moaut Park. Playing dates are July 20, 21,22, 27,28,29, August 3,4,5. All performances begin at 7p.m.

 

A stage is being built on the edge of the meadow, just inside the park, a stone's throw from ArtSpring. With haybails and chairs to accommodate approximately 200, it  is a perfect setting for this over 400 year old play and its still powerful story of young love in harsh surroundings. Many of Saltspring's own acting community, along with several talented off island folk, are already bustling in and out of rehearsals, support staff of a bewildering variety are running about making lists, and interest and anticipation is building in the community.

 

The idea for this production emerged from last year's presentation of a reading of Midsummer Night's Dream on the patio at ArtSpring ( later at Lisa Lloyd's). It was received with enthusiasm by such a cross-section of Saltspring folk, plus any number of visitors, that a plan was hatched for a more ambitious approach the next time. Next time is upon us.

 

Unlike the Dream, of course, Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy, though no less beloved by audiences over the ages. There are laughs and famous comic scenes to be sure , dancing and knife fights, but it all boils down to a beautiful doomed love story powerful enough to have lived in the public mind more then 400 years. The production is directed by Scott Hylands whose career as an actor spans Canadian and American theatre Companies, Broadway, Stratford, TV (Night Heat) and successful local productions of Endgame, Under Milkwood, Alice, and How To Eat Like A Child.

 

Tickets for this sure to be talked about production are available by phone at ArtSpring, 250-537-2102 or at the Mouat Park venue, one hour prior to the show.