Swordplay and Romance at Rosemont High School

The tragic romance of will come to life this week at the production of the famous play by William Shakespeare.

Auditions for the play began in September, and the students have been rehearsing since.

“People think that Shakespeare is boring, but it is not going to be,” said Ruth Sosa, the school’s theater teacher and the play’s director. “These kids put a lot of effort into it.

The play will include sword fighting scenes choreographed by Diane Rheault-Brinkley, a parent with a theater background and fencing enthusiast who has studied fencing and stage combat.

“I think it adds, for the kids, a deeper appreciation of Shakespeare because Shakespeare does involve this kind of battle, this kind of fighting in his other plays,” Rheault-Brinkley said. “It’s coming together really well and I am actually really impressed with the kids.”

Students started with basic fencing instructions before choreography began, learning basic footwork and posture, Rheault-Brinkley said. She described the fight scenes as exciting but safe for the actors.

“I believe it really adds the overall feel of the Renaissance period,” Sosa said.

Sosa said she was inspired to pick Romeo and Juliet for the school’s play after studying in London as part of the Globe Education Academy for Teachers.

“Through Project Globe Education, I went with other teachers to London and we did Romeo & Juliet at that time,” Sosa said. “It’s great to actively involve young people to do discover Shakespeare and enjoy the words of Shakespeare.”

She said she is excited that both of the Romeo leads are ninth-grade students, and that they have been doing a great job grasping Shakespeare’s words.

“I’m just proud of the fact that these kids have taken an interest in Shakespeare and have learned so much in such a short amount of time, and we’re hoping that the community can acknowledge their hard work as well as their fellow students,” Rheault-Brinkley said.

Sosa said that there are about 35 students total in the cast and crew and the students have been rehearsing three to four times a week, including some weekends.

“They’re extremely excited, especially when they got their costumes today,” Sosa said. “It’s been kind of difficult … But overall, the kids have really rallied forth.”

Showtimes are 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 9 and again on Dec. 15 in the Rosemont High School Large Theater. Cost is $5 for senior citizens or students with a school ID, and $10 for adults.