Romeo and Juliet: A Star-Crossed Production

Anthony Tinay | Pulse

The iconic story of Romeo and Juliet has been adapted with a Valley twist by the Theatre Department at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley.

The timeless classic is being directed by Brian J. Warren, professor for UTRGV’s Theatre Department who chose the show out of the students’ working on productions should be subjected to a wide array of source material. “It’s basically just in our mandate that students need different kinds of genres. We had to give them a nice array for their education,” he said.

Warren is adamant that a play like Romeo and Juliet is a very important story to tell in today’s climate. To them, a story where coming together in harmony is great to hear, as it is an ideal the general public tends to forget.

“We need to be reminded that in spite of our differences, love is what seriously does conquer any misunderstandings we have,” Warren said. 

One notable distinction setting this production apart from other adaptations is that the play is set in the modern day Rio Grande Valley. While dialogue remains mostly unchanged, the set along with the costumes and overall visuals and presentation, show a commitment to representing Valley culture.

One example is the decision to include a quinceañera for Juliet. “It’s more in the look that we hope people will resonate with.” Warren explained.  

Emilia Flores, a junior in Theatre with a concentration in design, shared her experience as a first time assistant costume designer.

“It’s definitely been a learning process for me,” she said. “I had no clue how much I loved costuming and working in this part of the show until I started taking my classes.”

The prospect of adapting a play with historical weight and significance is both equal parts exhilarating and intimidating to the cast. 

Aaron Guerrero,a sophomore in Theatre with a concentration in performance, was cast as the titular Romeo and has thought long and hard about what the play means to him. 

“I do love this character. I feel like I connect with them in so many ways, and I’m really excited to show people my take on this, and hope people enjoy it,” he said.

The pressure of a lead role is not lost on Guerrero, but he has found hope and guidance with the support from his loved ones.

“You know, my friends and my family. Without them, they’re always encouraging me. They’re always giving me notes. I owe everything to God, too,” he said. 

Ashley Cantu, a junior in Theatre with a concentration in performance, developed a newfound appreciation for the play as she now plays the role of Juliet Capulet.

“Once I went into this production, knowing I was going to interpret one of these characters, I paid a lot more attention to what they were specifically saying,” Cantu said. “It’s such a different experience.”

Bringing Romeo and Juliet to life on stage is no small feat due to its complex production demands. Such as requiring a large cast and crew of over 30 people all working together. 

The amount of moving parts can seem daunting, but not for Karina Molina, production stage manager and theatre design senior. Her position allows her to oversee all the changes shown on stage, from calling light and sound cues to actor’s entrances. 

“Every show has its challenges,” Molina said. “I think the biggest challenge for me in this production is the amount of people and keeping track of everybody. Making sure everybody’s here on time, and we all start on time.” 

The creative aspect of working through a production along with the high anticipation of doing Shakespeare attracted many students to join the project. 

Despite the demanding and fast-paced environment that a large production brings, Molina feels her efforts are gratifying.

“I keep talking about how challenging it is,” she said. “It’s really hard work. But it’s so worth it.”

Romeo and Juliet will run from March 5-9, and will be performed in the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre in the Edinburg Liberal Arts South building. 

For more information, students and theatergoers can part with sweet sorrow to the Theatre Department website at showpass.com.