FREE performances of Romeo & Juliet in City Parks this September

(NY, NY) NPT is pleased to present its acclaimed, action-packed production of Romeo & Juliet in association with The Shakespeare Project and Play Outside in NYC parks throughout the month of September.  Performances are Wednesday - Sunday at multiple locations (see schedule below). 

In its work with Shakespeare, NPT combines a thorough analysis of the text with a study of source material and historical information to create a vibrant three-dimensional world for the plays that speaks to today’s audiences as clearly as to Shakespeare’s.  For the past 10 years NPT has received critical and popular acclaim for its innovative and riveting staging, for an interactive performance style that allows audiences to become part of the world of the play, multi-racial casting, and the exceptional ability to make the language of Shakespeare as engaging and familiar as contemporary speech.

Director Melody Brooks’ approach to Romeo & Juliet centers on medieval Verona, circa 1300—a savage and violent place, busy with the building of dynasties and establishing the veneration of aristocratic bloodlines.  The sons of the wealthy are not to be denied, daughters are bartered to strengthen their family’s position. Against this backdrop, two children—one unsupervised and the other unloved—seek solace in each other’s arms from the cruel adult world.  Tradition asks us to celebrate the constancy of their love, but NPT’s production asks instead that audiences weep for this pair—and for all of the children who have been and continue to be sacrificed on the alter of hate and ambition. 

C. Amanda Maud is Assistant Director/Choreographer; E. Calvin Ahn is Fight Director   With: Alexis Casanovas, Erwin Falcon, Brian Flegel, Omar Holmes, Yoshiro Kono, C. Amanda Maud*, Sandra Parris*, Nadhege Ptah*,

Natasha Thomas, Joan Valentina*, Kerry Watterson*

for directions to parks, visit www.playoutside.org

* member Actors Equity Association