ROMEO and JULIET

IV- AMORSOLO'S ROMEO AND JULIET

by Jessica D. Baclagan

From the famous play written by the well-known William Shakespear in 1616, comes a perfect chemistry of a scientist and a beauty queen.

After its long preparation, Romeo and Juliet might be your perfect lovestory with a tragic ending. It appears to be the best lovestory of all ages which blooms from satr-crossed lovers, Romeo Montague (Benjamin Fresnido) and Juliet Capulet (Yiyet Alvarez). Their love is bounded by the rivalries of their family in the lovely Verona, Italy. They first met at the Capulet ball where named people are all invite. Romeo attended the ball with Benvolio (Alexis Templonuevo).Unfortunately, Tybalt (Josiah Hiponia) recognized Romeo as a Montague and got disrecpected by Romeo’s apperance in the ball. However, Capulet (Mike Alconaba) managed to control Tybalt’s temper. Due to this, they had a street fight and Tybalt killed Mercutio (Gerald Rabanzo).Their love is tested when Prince Escalus (Oliver Sauler) ordered a lifetime banishment for Romeo as a punishment for killing Tybalt. In the end, Romeo drank the deadliest poison from Apothecary (Carlo Villamor) while Juliet dragged a dagger in her chest that ended the story of their love for each other.

Beginnings

“This might be the grandest and huge play I’ve ever directed,” said Josiah, director of the play. “In fact, this has the most number of characters compared to other plays in the past years – mean more challenge for me to managed them in their scenes,” he added.

The play was rehearsed for more than three weeks, props were prepared less than a week the same with the back drops and stage décor. And for a busy section like this, nothing would be impossible.

“Though each prepares for different competitions and projects, we still have timeto rehearse and play with the paints,” Benjamin said. “In fact, we are given only a week for polishings the same with the production team. But after all, we made it and successfully presented it in front of many expectators.”

Stage debut

Fortunately, the play had their chance to own the stage and is opened for the audience. Everything is set plus the dazzling stars of the play.

“Performing in front of many people is a pressure for me. But for the honor of the section, I’ll give my best shot!’’ Yiyet said an hour befoe the actual at the backstage. “Well, thanks to everyone. They always help me in my hair and make-up the same with the accessories to wear.”

The best highlight was the balcony scene where Romeo swore his love to Juliet, the same with the Cotillon Dance where others participated to dance in the stage with their partners. “I enjoyed the dance, especially the exchange of partners in the circle,” said Anjela Gelle.

TOP SIX SCENES IN THE PLAY:

1. FIGHT SCENE OF COUNT PARIS ( Johnas Escobar) AND ROMEO

“We never expected the intensity of their acting. They brought us in the peak of our excitement in our seats,” Jessica said.

2.FIGHT SCENE OF MERCUTIO AND TYBALT (TYBALTS RAGE)

“We enjoyed the fight scenes. Josiah did a perfect acting the same with Gerald. I remember when Gerald almost slipped in the stairs but he manages to deliver his character well. Thumbs up for them,” Natalyn exclaimed.

3.COTILLON DANCE

“I love their arrangement. I like their dance. It really looks like a ball from a prominent family,” Mhiel commented after the play.

4 . BALCONY SCENE

“How sweet. “Deny your heritage and your name or if will not, just swear to be my love.” I like that line from Juliet. I also remember the risk of Benjamin’s character where he climbed the balcony where he eventually slipped his feet,” Kaith said when interviewed.

5. THE SWEET FAREWELL

“What a Tragic ending for the star-crossed lovers! But in the end, the two families in Verona ended their feud though it’s too late for the lovers,” Joyce said.

6. JOSIAH’S PROM PROPOSAL FOR MIKEE

“In fairness, he is prepared- from banner to his script! Is it also part of the play?” Jomariz commented.

“I’m so proud that we finished the play without any major floss and glitches. And also I want to thank those who made the props and backdrops. Without them the play wouldn’t be possible,” Josiah ended.

REAL DEAL

If you think it’s all about the play, we interviewed the stars of the play about their thoughts and comments about it. See how they react and commented in the questions.

How does it feel performing your role in Romeo and Juliet?

Benjamin : I feel, HONORED. To portray the main role? It's like "what else could you ask for?!" reaction. Yeah it's quite a pressure but nothing compares to name it brought.

Yiyet: Portraying my role in front of many people is challenging for me. I used to be the funny girl inside the class and to act like a timid daughter of Capulet needs a huge change.

Josiah: I performed as Tybalt in our Romeo and Juliet play. And as we all know, he is the antagonist in the story. I have always found it challenging to portray a “kontrabida” role on stage plays, but this role truly pushed me to my limit. It was a lot of fun acting in way to make the audience hate you. Also, our fight scene were legend, wait for it, - dary!

Celestine: Fulfilling for I portrayed a different role compare to my last years’.

Jennica: Well for me, I am very proud that I was one of the casts especially that particular role. I am very fond of acting. That’s my best talent, I think. I like to perform in front of people. I’m nervous at first but all of that went away.

Rayjohn: I felt normal. You know! It’s quite challenging but not at all for I play a role that is not as hard as the others.

Mikee: A little bit challenging but not really because unfortunately , I only have 3 dialogs in the play. My role doesn’t fit my personality.I used to be very talkative in class and Lady Montagues's characteristics were quite different from mine.

Gerald:being in the production of R n J is very challenging most especially portraying the role of Mercutio which is for me the hardest to portray. I felt a bit proud and happy because I was chosen to be one of the casts.

Oliver: Intimidating, I guess. Merely because of the costume. But I think to have that costume for my role is normal.

Chlarenz: I feel normal because it’s normal.

Loui: I feel handsome.♥

Carlo: As for me, I felt great and I think I have a special day to be proud of.

THE SCENES

SCENE 1: THE OPENING INTRODUCTION