The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet debuts in Sackville

hctjulliet
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Shakespeare’s classic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is coming to Sackville – with a twist.

The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, will be playing April 11-13 at Tantramar Regional High School in Sackville, NB. The production is a joint partnership between Moncton-based Hubcity Theatre and Tantramar Regional High school.

“The show’s being approached differently than the typical Romeo and Juliet play,” says director Robin Oxley who is also the artistic director for Hubcity Theatre. “The students are involved in all aspects of design and development. They’re bringing their own flare and personalities to the show.”

The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet focuses more on the dark tragic themes of the classic tale – creatively using masks to accentuate the broad range of emotions encountered by the couple and their detractors.

hctromeo
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This is the first time Hubcity Theatre has formally partnered with a high school for a full production. It’s part of the organization’s overall commitment to bring artistic development opportunities to the region’s new and emerging artists.

“For us, this is much more than just putting on a professional production,” said Robin. “We’re really investing in the future artistic growth and development of our communities by providing our youth with educational opportunities.”

Over the past few months, students involved with the production have participated in a variety of workshops led by local professional artists – including acting, stage management, costume design and sketching, make-up, lighting, movement with mask and stage combat, among others.

“I have learned, and am still learning, so much from when I first joined this play, and I’m enjoying every minute of it,” says student Margaret Torrance, who plays Juliet. “From making the masks and running through scenes, to laughing with the cast off-stage, I look forward to every rehearsal. This has been a great experience.”

The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet plays at Tantramar Regional High School Theatre, 223 Main Street, Sackville. Evening shows are April 11, 12, 13 at 6:30 pm with a matinee show on April 13 at 1:30 pm. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door.

For more information visit www.hctheatre.com.