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Heart N Crown Theatre Co. <HeartNCrown>

"Romeo and Juliet, Black Box Theatre - JAN 14 - 17th.Booking on 091-569777"

	Romeo and Juliet "Galway Independent" Interview	336 días hace
	Heart N Crown Theatre will present the greatest love story ever told, Shakespeare's classic Romeo and Juliet at The Black Box from Wednesday 14 to Saturday 17 January. Lisa speaks to Romeo Conor Quinlan and Juliet Emma Regan about their upcoming roles, their favourite Shakespearean plays and New Year Resolutions How did you get involved in acting? Conor (C): When I was five, my mother forced me to join the Garvey School of Speech and Drama, and shortly after, the Performing Arts School Galway. I fell in love with acting. I owe everything I know to both those schools and I'm still involved with both of them. Emma (E): I turned up to an audition as a dancer and the director, Niall Hughes, wanted me to play lead in the film. I was in London in college at the time, so I got an agent there and I have been very fortunate as every performance has lead to more work. Tell me a bit about this production. Will it be different to previous stage productions? C: Well, we have decided to go for the modern setting, to make a Galway audience understand more that the story is so universal and timeless. However, we aren't putting too much emphasis on that. We are obviously keeping the Shakespearian dialogue. It just goes as far as contemporary clothing and props. We are not trying to copy Baz Luhrmann's version at all. Are you looking forward to playing such a well-known role? C: Absolutely. I can't wait. When I first was offered the role, I was extremely nervous. The scariest thing was trying to measure up to the amount of people in the past who have played the part so well. But Donna (Reidy, director) helped me a lot with the characterisation and I am a lot more comfortable now and just anxious to get on that stage! E: Yes, and I think the fact that she is so well known is what makes it more exciting. I feel she has brushed over so many times as this stereotypical young girl in love. I wanted to give weight to all sides of her character. She is much more interesting than she's generally perceived. Do you think that modern audiences can identify with the characters of Juliet and Romeo? C: Definitely. The play shows how naive teenagers can be. Romeo is a perfect example of a teenage boy. He doesn't think things through. He is completely irrational. But, at the same time, he is a great guy. He is honest and loyal. It just shows there are weaknesses in the best of us. E: It is as relevant today as it was then for anyone who has rebelled against their parents, anyone who has truly loved. Was dressing in period clothes a daunting task or did it just lend to your character? C: We are actually using modern day clothes. I don't think costume helps me that much. It is different for everyone. What is your favourite Shakespeare play? C: Well, I studied Othello for my Leaving Cert and, despite reading it almost every week, I could not get over the amazing characters in it. So, definitely Othello. E: Midsummer's Nights Dream. Have you any plans to do more of the works of Shakespeare? C: Not right now. To be honest, I can't imagine any other Shakespearian role I could play. E: At the moment I am focusing on my role in a feature film 'The Fading Light', which is my next project, but if I had a chance to play Ophelia I would, and Lady Macbeth down the line. Romeo and Juliet is on the 2009 Leaving Cert curriculum. Do you think students would benefit from seeing this production? C: I think this production would be easier for them to watch than one with period costume. The language is enough to get your head around. I think it will be a fun production for them to see and it definitely helps them to understand the story more than just sitting in a class reading from the book. E: Yes, theatre brings the characters and the places to life; to see it performed brings out the meanings behind the lines. You can't capture that by reading it in a classroom. What are your New Years resolutions? C: To get a lot more organised in all aspects of my life. And also the cliched 'enjoy the little things in life!' E: I'd like to be able to appreciate and enjoy what I have more. Tickets, €18/€16/13/€12, are available from 091-569777. There will also be matinee shows on Thursday and Friday at 12pm. The shows will run nightly at 8pm.
	escrito por Heart N Crown Theatre Co.