Photo Preview: Ellen Stewart's Romeo and Juliet at LaMaMa

"Adapted and directed by Ellen Stewart, who describes this new twist on Shakespeare's beloved story as a 'dance opera': Romeo and Juliet tells the classic tale of an ill-fated love between two teenagers who pursue their desires despite a long-standing hatred between their feuding families, the noble Montagues and Capulets of Verona, Italy," as press notes describe the production.  "Stewart's adaptation of Romeo and Juliet brings an unusual element to the story, setting it as traveling road show attended by the Montagues and Capulets in Verona. One of the novelty acts in the road show is a dancer named Petrushka, who performs a selection from Igor Stravinsky's famed ballet score, Petrushka.  Stewart complements William Shakespeare's verse with her own, setting the language to music she has composed with Genji Ito and Michael Sirotta."

 

This adaptation of Romeo and Juliet will retain the inimitable international flavor that is a trademark of Stewart's body of work at La MaMa, with a 26-member cast consisting of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, African-American and Caucasian-American actors. Leading the cast as the star crossed lovers are newcomers Noshir Dalal as Romeo and Malaika Queano as Juliet.  Romeo and Juliet features lyrics by Ellen Stewart with music by Stewart, Genji Ito and Michael Sirotta.

Tickets are $20 (May 24-25), $25 (May 26-June 17), and can be reserved by calling 212-475-7710 or online at www.lamama.org.