Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Classic drama ‘Romeo and Juliet’ shakes up at PBTS

“Romeo and Juliet” appears on the Main Stage for one weekend only at Players By The Sea.  The show will retain the classic plot that follows star-crossed forbidden lovers.  The all-female cast will be utilizing real swords and daggers in their stage choreography, created by “Violence and Intimacy Designer”, Dr. Kate Busselle.

Dr. Busselle is new to the theatre scene here in Jacksonville but brings with her an extensive educational and professional background.  She is quoted to say: “I am so excited to bring safe theatrical violence work to Players by the Sea.  This cast has been working tirelessly learning all of the moves I've thrown at them, and I am thrilled that the Jacksonville community gets to see these talented fighters in their element. Don't miss this show!”

Busselle is an Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD) with certifications in unarmed combat, rapier & dagger, quarterstaff, single sword, broadsword, broadsword and shield, knife, and theatrical firearms safety.  She recently completed her Ph.D. in Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Missouri.  Her dissertation, “Killing Women: Gender and Violence in Selected Works by Sheila Callaghan and Marisa Wegrzyn,” examined how performances of violence committed by the characters within these plays challenge our ideas of gender.

For Romeo and Juliet, Busselle is working both onstage and off to make the show a success.  Onstage, she is portraying Mercutio, Romeo's witty, hot-tempered friend.  Offstage, Kate is staging all of the acts of violence that occur within the show.  Her expertise allows for all of the acts of violence to be staged realistically and safely.

About the Show: The Montague's and Capulet's are at war with one another for reasons unknown.  Two forbidden lovers meet and the rest is history.  Together with swords fights, passionate feelings, and meaningful representations, this version of the Shakespeare classic is presented with a modern twist -- an all-female cast.  Join PBTS on a journey to fair Verona for the timeless tale we all know and love but with new, engaging surprises around every scene.

About Players by the Sea: For over fifty-three years, Players by the Sea has brought quality creative and classic theatre to the Jacksonville community.  Players mission is to enrich the community through excellence in theatre.  The nonprofit community theatre welcomes all creative artists to participate in making the magic of theatre come to life, whether on stage, through advocacy or assisting backstage.

“Romeo and Juliet”

DATES:     TIMES
Fri., Feb. 21, 2020  8 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 22    8 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 23    2 p.m.

TICKETS: are on sale now online or by calling the Box Office at 904.249.0289. General admission is $25.

LOCATION: Players By The Sea Theatre
      106 6th Street North
      Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
      (904) 249-0289


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