From July 19 through Aug. 4, the Southwestern College Theatre Arts Department is holding its 2024 Southwestern Summer Shakespeare Festival, with William Shakespeare’s “Romeo y Julieta” and “Much Ado About Nothing.”
“Romeo y Julieta” is a bilingual (Spanish and English) adaptation of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy. Set in the modern day in the border town of “Verona,” an old vendetta between two powerful families, the Capuletos and the Montagues, erupts in bloodshed as Romeo Montague falls in love with Julieta Capuleto. Torn between their love for each other and their warring families, Romeo and Julieta’s love results in tragic consequences that ultimately unite the two families in grief. This stunning new adaptation flows freely between Spanish and English and brings Shakespeare to both Spanish speaking and English-speaking audiences. Sandra Ruiz adapts Shakespeare’s text and directs.
The cast of “Romeo y Julieta” features David Chavez as Romeo, Natalie Zaidan as Julieta, Denise Lopez as Nodirza (The Nurse), Markuz Rodriguez as Mercutio, Valeria Vega as Lady Capuleto, and Ruff Yeager as Friar Laurence.
“Much Ado About Nothing” is the classic romantic comedy set in the 1990’s on the campus of Southwestern College. The witty war of words between Beatrice and Benedick takes center stage with music and fashion from the 1990’s as mistaken identities, scandal, and reconciliation swirl in Shakespeare’s funny and touching play. Kim Strassburger directs this production in English.
The cast of “Much Ado About Nothing” features Annabelle Ramos as Beatrice, Daniel Savala as Benedick, Ella Geonzon as Hero, Charlotte Gerken as Claudio, Francisco Beltran as Don Pedro, and Ruff Yeager as Leonato.
All tickets are $10. For ticket reservations and information, visit swctheatre.com.
