Rome & Jewels

Synopsis
Preview of a work described in the programme notes as ‘an amalgam of Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story with the aesthetic of contemporary hip hop’. Choreography and direction by Rennie Harris, musical production by Darrin Ross and narrated by Arville ‘Ozzie’ Jones. The production reinvents Shakespeare’s tragedy as an urban parable in which the pursuit of Jewels, a never-seen character who symbolises bling, awakens Rome to a bigger life. The Montagues here are the rhythmic hip hop Monster Qs headed by Rome, and the Capulets (Caps), their rival breakdancing gang led by Tybault.
Language
English
Country
United States
Medium
Video
Technical information
Colour / Sound
Recording date
6 Aug 1999
Duration
85 mins

Credits

Director
Rennie Harris
Music
Darrin Ross
Choreographer
Rennie Harris
Cast
Rodney MasonRome (Romeo)
Chris, Jr. EvansMercutio (Mercutio)
Julie UrichLady Jules 1 (Lady Capulet)
Ron WoodTybault (Tybalt)
Sabela Delvin GrimesBen V. (Benvolio)

Additional Details

Theatre
Schaeffer Theatre, Bates College, Lewison, Me
Theatre company
Rennie Harris PureMovement
Production type
Dance
Plays
Romeo and Juliet
Subjects
Dance
Keywords
musicals; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Hip Hop

Notes

History
Presented as part of the Bates Dance Festival.
Reviews
Jack Anderson, New York Times (28 September 2000), p.88.

Archive

Name

Dance Collection, Jerome Robbins Dance Division

Email
dance@nypl.org
Web
http://www.nypl.org/research/lpa/dan/dan.html External site opens in new window
Phone
212 870 1657
Fax
212 870 1869
Address
New York Library for the Performing Arts
40 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York
NY 10023 7498

How to cite this record

Shakespeare, "Rome & Jewels". https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/shakespeare/search/index.php/title/av37640 (Accessed 26 Nov 2024)