Classic sticks to text

The Anywhere Theatre festival has officially opened in Queenland and Noosa’s entrant Little Seed Theatre is days away from its debut. The Anywhere Theatre Festival takes the stage anywhere BUT a traditional theatre. On the afternoons of 20 and 21 May, Little Seed Theatre Company will take part in this National festival; utilising a most grand and beautiful setting: the Noosa Botanical Gardens Ampitheatre to present Shakespeare’s iconic ‘Romeo and Juliet.’
Nestled between the Noosa Botanical Gardens and the shores of Lake Macdonald, is the magnificent Greek-styled outdoor amphitheatre, a wonderful setting for the Shakespearian classic.
Director Johanna Wallace explains, ‘It’s such an amazing venue, with its classical architectire, hidden within the beautiful gardens you could be anywhere. When Romeo appears for the balcony scene it takes your breath away. With the round stage and tiered seating, the audience is close to the action for the sword fights,,, and the romance too.”
While there are many modern takes on this classic, this one aims to recreate the experience of the Shakespearian players. At a recent rehearsal, Johanna instructed the cast, “Go back to the text, what does it say, Shakespeare is the expert, what does he mean to say? – Let’s communcate that to the audience.”
The casting too is very authentic. As per the text Juliet, a 13-year-old, is played by Jacqueline Elley (13). However, its Romeo where the casting strikes real interest. Seventeen-year-old Tallow Montague, plays Romeo and carries the story and Juliet along with him with a forceful tenderness that empowers the cast and engages the audience. A force of his own, winner of the Sunshine Coast Youth Theatre Best actor 2016 and Brisbane Youth theatre Festival Best actor in a comedy, Harper Ramsey plays Mercutio, along with a cast of about 40, this ‘Romeo and Juliet’ will be one to remember.
Directed by Johanna Wallace. The Amphitheatre, Noosa Botanical Gardens, Lake McDin Drive. Cooroy. Saturday 20 May – Sunday 21 May – shows commence at 2.30pm. Tickets are available from www.anywheretheatre.com
Adults $25 Concession $20.