WOLFBANE’S ROMEO & JULIET (2017) TESTIMONIAL
Being a straight-forward and blunt person, particularly with my opinions, I can't resist what I'm about to say next.
I hate Romeo & Juliet
Excuse me, I apologize, that's maybe too strong a word. For those who are the faint of heart I'll rephrase.
Romeo & Juliet is my least favorite of the Shakespeare plays... [*whispers* Of all the plays I've seen, sorry Shax]
However, I am a walking, living, breathing contradiction. I've seen nearly every film adaptation and more than my fair share of play productions of this script. Just to hammer home my contradiction-ness (is that even a word?), my hopeless romantic side makes itself known as I bitterly hope at the death scene that somehow the underage couple live rather than die an overdramatic death. Can't help to remember how happy I was when Taylor Swift did exactly that in her song "Love Song" (back before she became a sell out and I loathed her).
Pardon my rant, let's get down to the spotlight for today's theme: Series, Plays, and The Arts, Romeo & Juliet.
But not just any old Romeo & Juliet production (I'm going to get fed up writing their names). The production I attended took the cake of every R&J I had encountered in my twenty-four years. My testimonial today is going to be on,
Wolfbane Productions'
Romeo & Juliet
Now exactly what was so amazing that it caused this reaction out of a hater like me? [Can't deny myself a good bullet point list!]
-The Advertising
-The Writing/Adaptation
-The History
-The Venue
-Free Admission!
Five stars—ahem— points, and so much to say about each one. Let's begin!
Wolfbane Productions is literally a hidden jewel in the mountains of Virginia, at least as seen in my drive on the long winding road to get to Appomattox, Virginia. The advertising for this production had to be able to grasp the attention of potential customers in such impacting way. The next several bullets will expand on exactly why. The main piece of advertising that drew me in was self-made trailer of the play. I'm a sucker for attention getters, and Wolfbane did an unexpected yet gorgeous job on the trailer. Don't believe me, you can check it out for yourself. The link will be included below.
My favorite points on the list, The Writing/Adaptation and The History are connected heavily. For a hater like me I say it made the story several times more enjoyable. I love a good twist to any long standing, universally known story, and Wolfbane gave it to me! From Wolfbane's Producing Artistic Director, Dustin Williams, we got an even deeper conflict than two feuding families. Williams stayed true to Shax's vision of star-crossed lovers, feuding families, and tragic deaths while adding in a heavy realistic point in our country's history, The Civil War. As watched the performance, I saw how Williams changed a despicably sad love story into a historical fiction with such strong foundation of facts and history. In doing so, left Shakespeare's work as a mere outline or rough draft. An original script and production had been born. The writing was so well done that I had a brand new feeling towards the mention of the words, Romeo and Juliet!
"I began working on this adaptation of Romeo and Juliet two years ago, fully intending to simply set Shakespeare's script in the Civil War times. But it soon grew into a completely new realization of the classic story. (On that note, if there are any Shakespeare purists in the audience, you have my sincerest apologies). As we got deeper into the history of this town and read more about the lives people lived in the village, I began to understand it would be a disservice to not step further into their world. Although the production is a work of historical fiction, several characters are inspired by actual historical figures. Juliet's story is based on a young lady whose father, the ambassador to France, was jailed for his confederate leanings. She and her mother moved here to be with relatives when a young soldier came back on recruitment, met, fell in love with and married the young lady." --- Dustin Williams, on Wolfbane's Romeo & Juliet
The love of this version's Romeo & Juliet lasted four years from 1861 (the beginning of the war) until 1865 (the end of the war) and the deaths of our two lovers. How gorgeous is that!? In the midst of a national war and being a member of families on opposite sides their love persevered. I'd take this version over ole Shax's any day.
William's vision was given life through some very talented actors a few even from Broadway. In addition, they have THE best Mercutio I had the pleasure of seeing. The actor Patrick Michael Joyce did a phenomenal job. I cried when he died, while singing, I might add, Holy, Holy, holy. Not just because it was devastating scene but because the guy could act, he held the audience captive and gave comic relief with spot on improv when needed.
The venue was a definite change in stage or lack thereof. It was outside! On a landmark site no less, Appomattox Court House, a national historic park with a overly large tree as center stage. The actors running through and around the audience only strengthened the pull into the productions world.
Okay, you're wondering, exactly how did I get to see such a riveting play for zero dollars and zero pennies. My former college and dace team friend is the costume designer for Wolfbane Productions put me under family and friends and I received a free ticket. Not only that, I got to meet several of the actors at the after party. Score! I knew she could sew but my girl has immense talent that is finally getting put to use and fully appreciated. There is a link below to more pictures. And yes, every article of clothing was sketched, measured, cut and sown together by my close friend Rebecca Myrie.
I do apologize for posting about this play so very, very late after it closed, but I have no doubt that Wolfbane will be putting this on again in the years to come.
Links/ Sources
Wolfbane's Romeo & Juliet Trailer:
Wolfbane's Facebook Page for more upcoming events:
https://www.facebook.com/WBappomattox/
For more photos of the production and costumes: