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Two schools, both alike in dignity

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AFTER almost 11 years, Shakespeare makes a welcome return to the Shannon stage with Muse Productions’ performance of Romeo and Juliet. Ted Germaine, who directed A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2000 is also responsible for this production.

Germaine has always argued that Shakespeare only comes alive when spoken and is a fierce proponent of bringing the Bard’s words off the written page and onto the stage. It was with this in mind that he approached both of the secondary schools in Shannon with a unique proposal. By casting Juliet and the other young Capulets from one school, and Romeo and the young Montagues from the other, this tale of “Two households, both alike in dignity” could gain new resonance.
The story of Romeo and Juliet is well known, yet there is still a freshness and timelessness to the story after centuries of familiarity. Franco Zefferelli’s movie version is considered the definitive classic approach, while Baz Luhrman’s more stylised modern take on the story brought it to a whole new audience in Romeo + Juliet.
Muse Productions version will be different to both. No attempt is made to place the piece in a definitive period, instead choosing an anachronistic mix of medieval and late-18th century costumes. Staging is in the semi-round with much of the action-taking place on the dance floor of the Oakwood Arms function room. One of the first disciplines begun in rehearsals was fencing lessons, provided by Miriam Cashman of the UL Fencing club. Lighting is in the hands of Diarmuid O’Loughlin, who will be bringing in three additional lighting rigs to augment the facilities already present. Sound will be handled by Eugene Logan, another stalwart of drama in Shannon, with choreography of the set pieces by Gary Loughnane. Veteran stage manager Paddy Smyth has also worked wonders in transforming the function room into a theatrical venue.
In her debut role as Juliet, 16-year-old Michelle Cawley from St Caimin’s Community School impresses. Her youth and openness perfectly reflect Juliet’s innocence and her clear speaking voice handles the sometimes difficult Shakesperean dialogue with ease.
Playing opposite her is 17-year-old Lorcan Quinn as Romeo. Lorcan is a fourth year pupil in St Patrick’s Comprehensive school and previously played the role of Lionel in Back to the Eighties. Romeo is a hugely challenging role and Lorcan has thrown himself into the part, bringing a freshness and swagger to the role typical of that age. Juliet’s parents, Lord and Lady Capulet are played by Eoin Sheedy and Kathleen Browne; while Romeo’s parents, Lord and Lady Montague, are played by Noel McNamara and Edel Halliday.
Feidhlim Hillery plays Romeo’s confidante, Friar Lawrence, while Nicky Doherty plays a similar role as Juliet’s Nurse. Gary Keane is an imposing prince and rounds out the more senior cast.
Highly experienced and award winning actors provide great support and inspiration to the younger actors filling out the remainder of the cast, who are mostly populated by students from the two schools, led by Rick Germaine as Mercutio and David Finnegan as Tybalt. Helping to bring a little experience in the younger roles, Eoghan Rice plays Benvolio and Justin May plays Samson. Muse Productions was founded by Ted and Anne Germaine and Martin and Clare McNelis. Their aim is to bring regular theatrical events of all kinds to the people of Shannon.
More info can be found at their website www.MuseProductions.org or on the Muse Productions Facebook page. The play runs from May 9-12 in the Oakwood Arms in Shannon. Booking is open on 087 1537550 and more info can be requested at info@museproductions.org.

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