Gears & Gowns

By Misty Macdonald

“Many people see Shakespeare as very oldfashioned, so adding a modern twist to a predictable story helps bring it back to life.”

So explains Katrina Jevons (Juliet), a Grade 12 drama student at Brooks Secondary. Brooks Theatre Company is beyond excited to present Romeo and Juliet, featuring a unique steampunk theme. Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction where steam-powered machinery is typically featured.

As the first semester draws to a close, the cast and crew of Romeo and Juliet have high hopes that a new take on the story and using the popular art form of steampunk will intrigue their peers.

“It’s important to keep Shakespeare’s performances alive because he just has this gift of drawing out the core themes of our humanity,” says director Jennifer Didcott.

“The beauty of Shakespeare lies in the tapestry of language, universal themes and relatable characters. The themes of treachery, honor, bravery, love and political intrigue are still relevant to this day. Plus steampunk is an art-form that a lot of the students can relate to.”

THE CAPULETS: (top left to right) Kate Forbes (Nurse), Eli Chappel (Lord Capulet), Aurora Dyck (Lady Capulet). Katrina Jevons (Juliet), Hayden Drosdevitch (Tybalt).

Photo by Jennifer Kennedy’s Photography class

In our tech-laden society, it seems fitting to have a theme that embodies the last major technological revolution. Steampunk is an homage to authors like Jules Verne and H.G Wells, to the birth of science fiction during the Victorian era. It’s a nostalgic look back on how far our world has come; back to a time when inventions were closer to art.

A period piece brings its challenges, but Brooks Theatre Company is determined to put on a breath-taking show. Elaborate costuming, a stunning set and gruelling sword scenes are highlights for cast members Tyler Leslie (Romeo), Mekiah Vollmin (Mercutio) and Tina Nadalini (Benvolio). The team welcomes instructor and past Powell River resident Jeffery Renn to choreograph the play’s fighting scenes and to share his expertise from working on his own recent production of Macbeth at Douglas College. A dedicated group of students along with Erika Gail from Volunteer Powell River’s youth steering committee take on costuming day and night, every design choice has meaning. The Capulets symbolize opulence; thus, the team was inspired by the peacock feather in their designs. In contrast, the down-to-earth Montagues will wear earthy tones and have more mechanical accents.

THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS HAVE VIOLENT ENDS: Friar Lawrence, played by JoJo Wood, warns Romeo of the perils to come.

Photo by Jennifer Kennedy’s Photography class

Taking on a Shakespearean play is no easy task, especially when artistic direction is something to consider. There is a steep learning curve that is sure to end with great satisfaction. “Memorizing the lines and building your character is a challenge,” says Tyler. “Being vulnerable is hard to portray on stage, especially if you want to be convincing,” states Katrina. The classic tale of feuding families, romance and loyalty is back, but this industrial reinvention is bound to captivate the community.