Black Arts Alliance’s Shakespeare in the City Seeks Youth for Romeo & Juliet
The Memphis Black Arts Alliance’s Arts-A-F!RE Youth Theatre Troupe announces auditions for William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet to be held Saturday, February 16th 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. at the FireHouse Community Arts Center, 985 South Bellevue Blvd.
Because of the level of violence among Memphis area youth and concern for gangs, MBAA chose this piece in an effort to creatively confront the issue. The families
and servants of Romeo & Juliet represent two gangs and the consequence of
the “fashionable” violence leads to grief and reconciliation.
Directed by Leslie “Sticky” Reddick this production is based upon the national Shakespeare in the City Model and will focus on working with the youth in the areas of language and literature, analysis and interpretation and the actor process. The program will emphasize the importance of dialogue and communication in problem solving. The rehearsal process will allow the actors time and techniques to develop these skills. The production staff will work closely with the actors throughout the process providing them with information and training in the language of the play and conflict resolution.
While Shakespearean language will be used contemporary tools of violence and movement will be used to modernize the play to today’s youth.
Actors for the project will be young people between the ages of 12 – 18, preferably those who live in the areas most affected by the violence. Auditions will be the primary method of acquiring actors for the production. Audition referrals are sought from community leaders in gang prevention initiatives, schools, community centers, and
neighborhood associations. As a way of including the audience in the conversation to help solve the violence problem, they will be afforded the opportunity to dialogue after each performance.
Ms. Reddick says “Peace can only prevail when the communities
involved are willing to communicate rationally and peacefully. Enough innocent blood has been shed. It is time for peace and healing to prevail.” For more information contact, Bennie Nelson West at
901-948-9522 or email
mbaafirehouse@gmail.com.
