Romeo and Juliet, Part 1 – Shakespeare: Say It!
Romeo and Juliet, Part 1 – Shakespeare: Say It! brings Shakespeare’s epic love story to life. In this immersive show, audiences not only witness the story, but become part of it by delivering some of its iconic lines. Working with a projector and her made-to-measure version of the classic text, creator Dana Schindel (Day-na Shin-del) guides the audience through a collective telling of Romeo and Juliet, Part 1 (all the way up to that balcony scene!), and she’s saved the juiciest lines just for you.
No preparation is necessary, nor is any prior study of Shakespeare, though Shakespeare enthusiasts will get a thrill out of experiencing the story in this new format.
“I wanted audiences to get to speak with me,” Schindel says, “to create a unique experience we have together. Romeo and Juliet is full of emotion and delicious language – it’s an excellent place to play.”
Patrons with a fear of participation need not worry – the text has been combed for clarity, soloists are largely pre-arranged, and the audience often speaks as a collective, either with Schindel or responding (from the safety of your seats!) to her.
“I’m excited for people to engage with the show,” Schindel says. “That’s the powerful thing about the Fringe: You can try new things and create these new experiences. I am so grateful to everyone making Fringe happen – from the staff to the volunteers to the sponsors and audiences and artists. New, novel, and fun experiences can be hard to come by, but not when you’re at a Fringe Festival. Romeo and Juliet, Part 1 – Shakespeare: Say It! is designed to be one of those new experiences for people.”
Schindel credits her training at Canada’s National Voice Intensive, seeing Eddie Izzard’s solo performance of Hamlet, and her own love of language and storytelling as inspirations in her creation of the show. Described as “A troubadour you need to know about” (FVMusic Blog) for her original songwriting, Schindel’s way with words is on full display in Romeo and Juliet, Part 1 – Shakespeare: Say It! and she’s sharing the love.
Romeo and Juliet, Part 1 – Shakespeare: Say It! runs at:
Victoria Fringe: August 27, 29, September 2, 5 at Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre, 1709 Blanshard Street
What audiences are saying about Romeo and Juliet, Part 1 – Shakespeare: Say It!:
“Dana Schindel is such an inviting performer who can make even the most participation-averse spectators feel welcomed and willing to set their inhibitions aside.”
“I am not a huge Shakespeare fan and I had a FANTASTIC time at the show. The interactivity is so fun, I loved the space Dana brought us into together. Highly recommended.”
-Audience Member C.
“Hilarious show! VERY fun concept. I would see this show in heartbeat if it was back next year.”
– Audience Member Devon
“We loved it and after seeing several shows, this is still one of my favourites. It feels like enjoying a bit of Shakespeare with a bunch of your best theatre friends, and Dana has the best energy! You’ll like it, check it out!”
– Audience Member Jacque
“I normally don’t like audience participation, but this is different and fun and you don’t have to go onstage! She really makes the Bard come to life and the ancient words become suddenly totally understandable!
– Audience Member Kathy
“Creative and clever, interactive and entertaining! Highly recommend!”
-Audience Member LConnor
“We’re going to have fun,” Schindel says, “We’re going to flirt and fight and fall in love.”
Get your tickets – go fall in love.
Victoria Fringe: https://intrepidtheatre.com/festivals/fringe-festival/