The University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) announces the production of Romeo and Juliet performed by international theater troupe, Actors From The London Stage (AFTLS). Based at the University of Notre Dame and workshopped in London, AFTLS will be in a week-long residency UHCL Bayou Theater.
Developed by Professor Homer Swander at the University of California-Santa Barbara and co-founded by British actor Patrick Stewart, AFTLS is one of the oldest established touring Shakespeare theater companies in the world.
Visiting approximately 20 universities a year, AFTLS gives students around the country an opportunity to experience their dynamic and enriching performing arts program.
During their five-day residency of performances and student workshops, five actors — who hail from such prestigious companies as The Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre of Great Britain, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre — provide a unique perspective into Shakespeare’s works for students and community.
“I have seen a couple of their productions, and I just loved their interpretations,” said Elizabeth Klett, associate professor of literature, who arranged for the troupe to perform at UHCL. “They do a whole Shakespeare play with just five actors, which is pretty unique. I have never seen that before.”
The five actors – William Donaldson, Sarah Finigan, Jack Whitam, Jasmeen James and Roger May – will take on two to three major roles in addition to several minor ones. There is no director, so each actor is responsible for the entire performance.
Each residency is highlighted by performances of a full-length production. Featuring minimal props, costumes and set, the clever staging showcases the talents of this unique five-member cast of characters while keeping the focus where it belongs — on Shakespeare’s words.
“My favorite character to play is The Nurse,” Finigan said. The actress had been acting for 13 years before she auditioned and joined AFTLS. Aside from performing, having the opportunity to interact with students through workshops is her favorite part of the tour.
Because of the dynamic hands-on approach of the program, the workshops appeal to more than just theater students. Workshops are often attended by students from other disciplines such as liberal studies, business schools, law schools, gender studies, communications, university seminars, and graduate programs to name a few.
During the workshop seminars, the actors introduce the “practical approach” to acting, which includes an introduction to improvisation. “Text Analysis” enhances students’ critical reading and thinking abilities as well as develops their presentation and team-building skills.
“Having art that is accessible to the UHCL student body, staff and Bay Area community at large is incredibly important,” said Alex Malone, theater managing director at UHCL.
AFTLS will perform “Romeo and Juliet” at The University of Houston-Clear Lake Bayou Theater March 9-11. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m., and doors open at 7 p.m. Prices are $10 for students and $20 for non-students.
A workshop for students will be held on Tuesday, March 7, from 3-4 p.m., in the Career Services lounge located in SSCB 3109. A second workshop will be open to the community on Saturday, March 11, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., in Atrium 1 of the Bayou building. Both workshops are free and no registration is required.
For more information about Actors From The London Stage at their website: http://shakespeare.nd.edu/actors-from-the-london-stage/