CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Department of Theatre and Dance at the College of Charleston School of the Arts will open its 2016-17 season with a unique interpretation of “Romeo and Juliet.” One of William Shakespeare’s best-known and most-loved works, “Romeo and Juliet” is the timeless story of two doomed lovers who come from two families embroiled in a bloody feud. Romeo and Juliet seek only to love each other, but family, friends, society and Fate make that far easier said than done. This retelling of a classic story makes Fate a living entity, a group of figures who affect the lovers, manipulating them like puppets. It uses elements of physical theatre and dance to tell Shakespeare’s great story on the 400th anniversary of his death, and asks the question: “Can we govern our own fate, or does Fate govern us?”

Directed by student Krista Grevas and theatre faculty member Evan Parry, the production will run at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 11-13, 18-20, Sept. 1-3; and at 2:00 p.m. on Sundays Aug, 14, 21, and Sept. 4. A talkback will occur after the show on Thursday, Sept. 1. Performances will take place at the Chapel Theatre, 172 Calhoun St.
The production team includes Camille Pompeii (Costume Design), Carrie Ferrelli (Scenic Design), Cory Stegelin (Stage Manager) and Angela Vecchione (Assistant Stage Manager). The cast is comprised of students and graduates of the College: Jenny Bettke (Juliet), Jonathan Ford (Romeo), Bess Lawson (Lady Capulet), Matthew Giedraitis (Lord Capulet), Caitlin Barth (Lady Montague), Nick Brown (Lord Montague), Daniel Sokol (Mercutio), Nathan Cooper (Tybalt), Laighton Cain (Benvolio), Sienna Goering (Nurse), Gibson Carter (Prophet Lawrence), Maddie Goodman (Young Fate), Thomas Robertson (Fate), and others.

Admission is $15 for general public; $10 for senior citizens, College of Charleston students and employees. Subscriptions are available for the 2016-17 season of College of Charleston Theatre and Dance (“Romeo and Juliet,” “Superior Donuts,” “Safe Harbor,” “Stage Door,” “Buzzer,” “Emilie: La Marquise Du Chatelet Defends Her Life Tonight,” “Chapel Moves!” and “Rent.” Tickets can be purchased online at theatre.cofc.edu or by calling (843) 953-6306.