East Dallas Arts is hosting performances of Romeo + Juliet: Shakespeare in Motion in the new year.
This production is a retelling of William Shakespeare’s play and will be directed by 17-year-old Tilda McSpadden, an actor, dancer and circus artist with stage and film experience.
There are two casts — one with adults and the other with kids. Overall, 21 actors are involved. And there are almost no spoken words in the performance.
“Although there is quite a bit of dance, this is not a dance show,” McSpadden said in a news release. “The majority of the cast are wonderful actors that move well, with some dance training. This is by design, as we don’t want specifically trained dancers that worry about technique in each role. Although some roles require more dance training, most need actors that utilize movement to portray feelings without the constraints of specific technique. This show will include stage combat, physical acting and dance.”
There are two choreographers to credit. Logan Beutel, a junior at Southern Methodist University majoring in theater, is one. He’s also a dance instructor at Lone Star Ballroom. The other choreographer is Kai Turner, a junior at Booker T. Washington HSPVA. Turner has training in stage combat and fight choreography.
Caiden Garcia, 17, is the assistant director and has three years of experience on stage with training in dance and musical theater.
Performances will be held at East Dallas Arts, located at 10620 E. Northwest Highway.
Here are the times:
- Jan. 6, 7:30 p.m.: adult cast
- Jan. 7, 7:30 p.m.: teen cast
- Jan. 8, 2:30 p.m.: adult cast
- Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m.: adult cast
- Jan. 9, 2:30 p.m.: teen cast
- Jan. 9, 7:30 p.m.: teen cast
Tickets cost $20 and are available here.