Experience Shakespeare in a Whole New Way With A Commedia Romeo and Juliet at Arts Barn
Posted 12/19/2012

In partnership with Faction of Fools Theatre Company, the Arts Barn presents A Commedia Romeo and Juliet, based on William Shakespeare’s classic story of two young lovers divided by a family feud.  The show runs January 11 through 26, 2013, with evening performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and matinees on Saturdays at 2 p.m.  A sign interpreted performance will take place at the January 26 matinee.  Admission is $22, $20 for City residents, and $9 for students through grade 12. 

This high-octane adaptation of Romeo and Juliet draws heavily on the characters and conventions of Commedia dell’Arte,also known as “Italian comedy,” a humorous form of theatre that uses music, dance, and witty dialogue with the focus placed on physical business rather than spoken text.  By utilizing masks and physical characterizations from Commedia dell’Arte, Faction of Fools puts the comedy back into Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and highlights tragedy by juxtaposing it with humor.  This production reunites the world’s most popular playwright with history’s most influential theatre style. 

Faction of Fools Theatre Company has entertained audiences since 2009 with its ensemble-devised physical comedy, employing masks, Commedia dell’Arte characters, and inventive movement and acrobatics.  The company won the John Aniello Award for Outstanding Emerging Theatre Company at the 2012 Helen Hayes Awards.   A Commedia Romeo and Juliet premiered in January 2012 and was Faction of Fools’ first full production utilizing Shakespeare’s original language. 

The Arts Barn, Gaithersburg’s premier cultural arts facility, is located at 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg.  For more information and tickets call 301-258-6394 or visit online at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/theater.