Taking Romeo and Juliet to Japan
20 Jul 08
The Oxford University Dramatic Society’s Japan tour starts this week. Alongside performances in London, Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon, the society’s production of Romeo and Juliet will be shown at the Metropolitan Art Space in Tokyo.
This year’s run of performances is the tenth anniversary of the OUDS tour of Japan, and has been made possible by the support of Thelma Holt and the Cameron Mackintosh foundation. West End producer Thelma Holt has been awarded the Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese government for her efforts in fostering cultural exchange and this year’s production is in particular recognition of these efforts.
Piers Barclay, Director of OUDS production of Romeo and Juliet...the elders of each family attempt to uphold their traditions and standing in society, whilst the young out-talk and out-walk their rivals
Tom Palmer, a first year History student, is taking on the role of Romeo and Juliet is played by Corinne Sawers who has just finished studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford University.
In the OUDS production the paths of the star-crossed lovers are played out in 1920s Britain. The director, Piers Barclay, said: ‘The setting will emphasise the social nature of the rivalry and the generation gap which is quickly apparent, as the elders of each family attempt to uphold their traditions and standing in society, whilst the young out-talk and out-walk their rivals. This promises to be an exciting, energetic and passionate retelling of the greatest love story ever told.’
The first performance is on 24 July at All Hallows by the Tower in London and the tour finishes on the 10 August at the Metropolitan Art Space in Tokyo.