Lincoln, Neb.--The Nebraska Repertory Theatre presents “Shakespeare’s R&J” Feb. 27-March 9 in the Studio Theatre.
For showtimes and tickets, visit https://nebraskarep.org. The play contains adult themes.
Joe Calarco directs his adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” This innovative retelling reframes the timeless tragedy within the context of a Catholic boys’ school, exploring themes of sexual identity, love and societal expectation amidst the strict confines of an all-male environment.
“’Shakespeare’s R&J’ is about four young prep school students who decide to break away from their rigid and strict lives by delving into ‘Romeo and Juliet’ by William Shakespeare, eventually becoming so immersed in the play that their lives and the lives of their characters in the play seem to become one,” said Brenden Dobbs, a freshman acting major from Geneva, Illinois, who plays Student One.
The cast includes four unnamed students.
“Student One is by far the most daring and outgoing of the group,” Dobbs said. “He’s the one that introduces ‘Romeo and Juliet’ to the other boys and is the most eager to delve into the world of the play, and eventually, becomes the one most desperate to leave his former life behind.”
“The play is primarily about acceptance of self and of others,” said senior acting major Luka Benjamin, who plays Student Two and is originally from Superior, Nebraska. “It also has a lot to say about the power of art to bring people together and move through our differences.”
Benjamin said Student Two is a listener, which he found interesting as an actor.
“So much of my character’s involvement in the play is falling deeper into Shakespeare’s story and being impacted by the other students’ journeys with it,” he said. “It’s been such a pleasure to explore how my character’s wants and needs align with Juliet’s. The adaptation builds out of the source material in such a beautiful way and has me exploring several characters at the same time. Really truly an incredible and unique experience through and through.”
Sam Landretti, a junior acting major from Lincoln, Nebraska, plays Student Three.
“Student Three is extremely confused and insecure about everything that is happening to him,” Landretti said. “He has feelings that he has been told are wrong, and when he sees others expressing those feelings, he gets scared and confused. Playing him is really interesting because, as a man who has questioned my sexuality throughout my life, I can relate to the confusion and terror that comes with finding out who you are.”
The students are enjoying working with Calarco, a multi-award-winning director and playwright. Calarco has served as director of new works at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, and as resident playwright at Expanded Arts, Inc. He was a Joseph Papp Artist in Residence at Second Stage, is one of New York Theatre Workshop’s “usual suspects,” is a Drama League directing fellow, is an associate artist at Barrington Stage Company, and is a member of The Dramatists Guild.
“Joe has been great,” Benjamin said. “One of the great joys of creating theatre is meeting people, and I’m so grateful that the Carson School brings in real professionals for us to work with. Joe’s adaptation has been produced plenty of times around the world, and with all that he’s learned, he has helped us dive into the deepest crevices of this script for our production. He treats us like professionals, which helps us rise to a higher standard and makes me feel more prepared to enter the industry after my time at UNL.”
Dodds said Calarco has been a good director.
“He has an amazing eye for detail and emotion and is a genius at taking his vision and executing it,” he said. “It has been a true privilege to work with Joe on his own play, and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity.”
Benjamin thinks audiences will be surprised by what they see in the production.
“Shakespeare’s works are daunting for some, but when you see through to their core, they are chock-full of humanity,” he said. “They see straight through into the human condition, into the deepest and highest parts of it. This production takes that humanity, every ebb and flow, and places it in the hands of these boys who have no experience with what it means to really feel. It’s a journey for all four of them, and it’s not an easy one.”
Dodds said audiences should not come into this show expecting just another production of “Romeo and Juliet.”
“It isn’t,” he said. “It’s a separate story told through the words of Romeo and Juliet. Additionally, this is a story that is very prevalent in today’s world, and I think it’s a story that needs to be told right now.”
Landretti said, “Audiences should see this show because it’s extremely important to show how society’s expectations for masculinity affect the youth.”
Benjamin hopes people come see the show.
“There was so much love and work put into this show, and I just cannot wait for folks to see it,” he said. “With the state of current events, I think this show is incredibly relevant and important. Even if someone is skeptical of the idea of the show (or even especially if they are), they should come see it. I believe anyone who comes to see it will be surprised at where the story goes, and what it can make them feel.”
Dodds said, “It’s going to blow your mind.”
