*Romeo and Juliet* at Turbine Flats, March 18-22 and 25-29!

William Shakespeare's timeless drama about star-crossed lovers is given a strikingly contemporary look and sound in Flatwater Shakespeare Company's new production of Romeo and Juliet under the direction of Executive Artistic Director Summer Lukasiewicz. Performances will take place in Turbine Flats, 2124 “Y” Street in Lincoln, Wednesdays through Sundays, March 18-22 and 25-29 at 7:00 p.m. 

Visit flatwatershakespearecompany.org for tickets and further information.

The play begins Flatwater Shakespeare's 20^th season and features original music by Andrea von Kampen. The title characters fulfill their destiny in one another. As other values and loyalties are overshadowed, the young lovers defy every aspect of their society. They hope to brush aside (and even to reconcile) their families’ long-standing feud, choosing love over honor. “Deny thy father and refuse thy name,” Juliet proposes, “Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, / And I’ll no longer be a Capulet.” Increasingly isolated from friends and confidants, as well as family, the couple nevertheless cannot escape the violence and retribution sustained by the feud. Exiled from Verona for killing Tybalt in revenge for his friend Mercutio's death, Romeo returns to the city for Juliet’s sake. Believing that Juliet is dead, Romeo seeks to rejoin his bride in the afterlife. Juliet’s response shows how thoroughly and devastatingly love has taken hold of them. They choose to turn against their world and against themselves but never against each other.

Director Summer Lukasiewicz has adapted the practices of Shakespeare's own company to today's theatrical styles, with all actors assuming a variety of roles. Raimy Washington and Paul Shaw play Juliet and her Romeo, as well as servants of their families' households. The ensemble includes Flatwater Shakespeare veterans Matthew Beijjani, Luke Glassman, and Katie Hoppe. Joining the company are Emily Funkey, Jazmine Huertas, and Fred Vogel.

Singer-songwriter Andrea von Kampen, a top ten finalist in NPR's Tiny Desk Concert competition in 2016, has composed and recorded five songs, along with incidental music, which will be heard during the production. The songs for “Romeo and Juliet” will also be released as a digital EP March 13 on streaming platforms. Kat Cover's costumes offer a visual symphony in denim. Will Cover's fight choreography builds on inspirations from “West Side Story.” Ann Marie Pollard is the dance choreographer and Lauren Porter is the sound designer and assistant stage manager. Michelle Zinke is the stage manager and Stephen Buhler is the dramaturg.

Flatwater Shakespeare is a not-for-profit theater company, dedicated to the principle that Shakespeare Is for Everyone. Along with providing innovative educational programs, the Company brings to audiences the richness of the works of William Shakespeare as they should be experienced: played out by a dynamic ensemble of performers on stage.