FOR THE LOVE OF THEATRE
Romeo and Juliet comes to town

From cell phones and the Internet to electronic games, today’s generation have instant entertainment at their fingertips. Yet the experience of quality live theatre is alien to most of them.

Entertainment Plus, in association with Hava Java Productions, brings high caliber entertainment, specifically adapted for children but enjoyed by everyone, to Bahrain with a production of Romeo and Juliet, produced by Shakespeare 4 Kidz.

Paula Mansour, Hava Java Productions director, is ecstatic about the forthcoming event. “Last year we staged Hamlet at the BIEC; it was an outstanding successful. The performance received excellent reviews and was extremely well attended, from the very young to adults. It was remarkable to hear children as young as five discussing the show as they left the auditorium, demonstrating that great theatre transcends all ages.”

Following on the heels of last year’s success, combined with her personal passion for live theatre, Paula decided to organise another Shakespeare 4 Kidz production, with a favourite romantic classic, Romeo and Juliet. Tickets for the event are priced at BD12 for children and BD15 for adults and though the date and venue are presently unconfirmed, it is scheduled for May 20-21 in Adliya.

Paula explains, “With a company of 30 professional actors travelling from London, the standard of entertainment is exceptionally high. Though the performance has been adapted to appeal to a younger audience, it includes all the original quotations and has been enjoyed by adults as well. It is a fantastic opportunity for young people to experience and develop a taste for classical literature.”

As well as matinee and evening performances, the theatre company actors also participate in workshops for schools and educational establishments.

“Schools involved in workshops will enjoy and learn from two professional actors in a two hour session of edutainment, for groups of not more than forty students.

Each school has the option to select a play to tie in with current studies, for the workshop, and student participation is eagerly encouraged,” Paula notes.

The combination of entertainment and education is an innovative way of cultivating an interest in literature among students studying Shakespeare for final exams. Workshops have been very popular, with schools enjoying a special group rate for participants.

“Whether it’s Shakespeare or a local production, live theatre provides wonderful entertainment, I would encourage more sponsorship and audience support so that we may all enjoy the exhilaration of a live performance. There’s nothing like it,” admits Paula.

CLICK HERE to see the original article online at the Bahrain This Month website