Each year the Seminole High School Theater Company, otherwise known as SHSTC, presents to audiences a fall performance, followed by a spring performance. To commence the 2011-2012 school year, SHSTC was honored to present their fall production of Romeo and Juliet.
Revised by director, producer, and overseer of the drama department Mrs. Tiffany Ortiz, the renowned Shakespearean tale of two star-crossed lovers had been tweaked for a more relatable experience. Taking place in Italy during World War II, Romeo Montague serves as a young boy of Jewish decent, who falls in love with Juliet Capulet. The Capulet family consists of Nazi cohorts, and the play’s two protagonists are pitted against religious intolerance, ignorance, and the perils of death.
In regards to revisions made to the original tale, Ortiz stated, “By choosing a time in history where people were being persecuted for their beliefs, I was hopeful that tolerance and understanding could be…practiced by our generation of actors.” This 1940 setting reflects a bitter time in history that many individuals can connect to either culturally or religiously.
The hard work and dedication that was spent on this play can be attributed to the drama department. SHSTC is comprised of students whose talents surpass every expectation, whether they serve behind the scenes, or deliver their lines under the spotlight. Sophomore John Schirard, who starred as Romeo, said that, “This show has set a high standard for future performances of the drama department. Our upcoming plays will be amazing, because we have a lot of talented students working together.”
Irrefutably, preparation for this production was not a stress-free feat. To achieve an accurate yet personal interpretation, Ortiz and her students toiled through weeks of elongated rehearsals, weekend days dedicated to set construction, constant monitoring of historical acuity, and creating a new world for Romeo and Juliet while preserving Shakespeare’s original principles. Freshman Alex Lowie and sophomore Lauren Rodriguez agreed that, “Our hard work definitely paid off. Our friends and family were able to see us, and we as a group were able to convey a story that many people love, in a time period that affected the entire world.”
Over the course of three consecutive days, the cast and crew delivered entertaining performances for SHS audiences. Senior Daniel Swann said, “It’s sad to see this end because it is probably my last show as a senior.” The theater family has grown throughout the production, progressing as a difficult but successful movement. Junior Alanna Fagan said, “The show definitely improved every night, but I’m sad to see it go as well as strike the set.”
Ortiz’s historical vision for Romeo and Juliet was evoked in such a manner, enabling the concept of love-with-no-bounds to mesh sinuously with a period known for its impertinent events. Junior Travis Tanner thought, “This play was different than a lot of shows we’ve done. Shakespeare’s writings were difficult to understand, and characterization was time consuming because it had to be on point.” In consequence, the efforts of students, teachers, and administrators alike produced a play that included eloquence and poignant recollections of both Shakespeare’s classic play and humankind’s bitter history.
As the fall play for this school year, Romeo and Juliet proved that SHSTC is run by the utmost creative minds of SHS. In regards to the upcoming spring production, senior Brendan Rourke exclaimed, “Judging by our hard work this year and years before, our next show will be the greatest show in SHSTC history.” Ortiz no doubt has just as much, if not more, faith in her actors and crewmembers: “This was the first time we’ve tackled a play like this, and it possessed a good artistic medium. Through collaboration and professionalism, we connected with our audience, blending different concepts and values.” There have also been many new additions to the theater family, to which Ortiz said, “It is challenging to have a brand new class of students, but it is also worthwhile. Being a part of these shows is a rewarding experience. The process is what is most important, and it’s essentially a labor of love.”
SHSTC will proudly present Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in the spring. Applications can be picked up November 28, and are due on December 2. See Mrs. Ortiz for additional information.