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Shakespeare's R+J

Shakespeare’s R+J
By Joe Calarco
Produced by The Original Theatre Company and South Hill Park Arts Centre with Max Lewendel

Press quotes from 2008 production

"If you see just one Shakespearean play this year, make it this one"
Nina Romain published on Whatsonstage.com

"This is Shakespeare re-born for the age of black-box theatre - slick, economic and altogether accessible."
Whatsonstage.com

"It's rare to see a production as accessible as R&J that also pierces right to the core of Shakespeare's work. R&J is Shakespeare distilled: and that can only be a good thing" *****
Darcy Brightman Remotegoat.co.uk

"Art imitates life and life is enriched by the power of theatre...as Alastair Whatley's production casts new light on this most romantic of plays"
Michael Stewart, The Morning Star, 30th July 2008

"This touring production bubbles over with energy...this is a fast paced production... with Sam Donnelly's depiction of the nurse particularly entertaining"
Music OMH 24th July 2008

"Calarco's play still manages to be bright as it makes its London debut, standing up to recent Romeo & Juliet adaptations in the way Baz Luhrmann's 1996 film continues to feel original."
The Metro

Directed by Alastair Whatley
Designed by Victoria Spearing
Lighting by Alan Valentine
Costume by Fiona Davis

Set in the 1950’s at an exclusive boarding school, four pupils run into the chapel late one night in a bid to escape from their repressive school routines and begin reading the story aloud. School and social rules are addressed and shattered as the students come to understand the real price of challenging fate and the true dangers of forbidden love.

As both the stories of Romeo and Juliet and the four lads unfold during the course of one thrilling evening; audience and actors alike discover the power of theatre and the new worlds it can open up. Highly energetic, physical and packed with the energy of youth and beauty of Shakespeare language this really is Shakespeare at his most accessible and daring.

Press quotes from 2003:
“Prepare for a bracing and brilliant shock to the system…an inspired new theatrical take on this early masterpiece” The Independent
“R+J is a gem, the most inventive reimagining of a classic in years” The Wall Street Journal
“I’d forgotten the play could be so good…I seemed to hear the words for the first time” The Times
“This is a thrilling piece of work. Both study aid and gripping theatre” Sunday Times

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Othello

A co-production with The Icarus Theatre Collective and South Hill Park Arts Centre.

A tempestuous journey from scandal and intrigue to lust and vengeance.

Played with seven professional actors, this version of Othello comes to you louder and clearer than any other in recent memory. We tackle topics of racism, belonging and deception in its classic period, elegantly referencing our modern world where all sense of identity is turned topsy-turvy.

Using the sense of water and motion, we set Othello at sea near Venice and Cyprus. Design elements and performance style will bring the audience into the Venetian world of war, movement, and contrast.

Opening South Hill Park September 2009. For enquiries or to book this production please email alastair@originaltheatre.com.

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Vincent in Brixton

Winner of the 2003 Olivier Award for best new play, this great play play wrenches home the destructive qualities of both love and art and the sacrifices made by those who create it.

"One of the best new plays ever presented by the National Theatre"
- John Peter, The Times
: The Independent

Inspiration found in the most unusual corners.

The year is 1873. A young art dealer called Vincent Van Gogh arrives at 87 Hackford Road in Brixton looking for a room and looking for love. As Vincent settles in to his new lodging he finds himself inexplicably drawn to his grieving landlady Ursula with whom he starts a turbulent, secret relationship that will change his life forever.

Set in a working, authentic kitchen the smells, sights and sounds of life in 87 Hackford Road are brought vividly to life, immersing the audience in a truly extraordinary theatrical experience. The Play wrenches home the destructive power of love and art and the sacrifices made by those who create it. The play begins as a straight-forward love story, and as the allusions between life at 87 Hackford Road and art intensify, this story turns this into a tragic parable about the ruthless flame of art consuming all in its path.

Coming in Spring 2009.

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The Cast

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