The tragedy Romeo and Juliet is among the most well-known love stories ever written. This November, Camas High School (CHS) actors will hit the stage with the definitive Shakespeare performance of the classic, but with an unforeseen twist: cyberpunk.

Cyberpunk is defined as a futuristic science fiction setting, with clear themes of neon colors, advanced technology, and an overarching urban style. This, in combination with Romeo and Juliet’s typical renaissance/medieval taste creates an interesting contrast that has not been seen on the CHS stage in quite some time. 

This cast is among the smallest that has been seen in multiple years, though not by much. More than 40 people auditioned for the play in September, but was narrowed down to 19 cast members and a crew of equal size.  

Romeo and Juliet follows the comical experience of Romeo as he falls head over heels for the young and beautiful Juliet. To an otherwise unknowing audience, the first half of the show is quite the comedy. 

Prior to the tragedy aspect, plenty of typical theatre shenanigans go down, including a dance performance. In a regular Romeo and Juliet adaptation, there is the normal ball scene, where partygoers of the Capulet family “crush a cup of wine”, in addition to Romeo and Benvolio sneaking in (along with their friend Mercutio, who, unlike them, was actually invited to the ball). 

Well-known CHS actors such as Orrin Brown and Adisynn Ackley, previously seen as Hades and Eurydice respectively in Hadestown, return for their final fall play with CHS as Romeo and Juliet. 

“This is my first play,” Brown said. “I was a little more nervous than usual, especially because of the memorization… It’s been really rewarding because it’s fun to apply your own experiences into the characters, especially because not everything is relatable… being able to attach your own experiences really helps create a more authentic character.” 

On the other hand, rising actors like Jesse Farland, previously seen in The Music Man at Liberty Middle School, are hitting the CHS stage for the first time. Farland plays Mercutio in the upcoming show. 

“I think it’s going well. I like to think of myself as a lot like Mercutio, in a way. I definitely think I can have a bigger presence, but yeah. I think it’s going pretty well.” Farland said. 

Opening night for Romeo and Juliet is Nov. 7 at 7 p.m., with five shows to follow. Show dates can be seen by visiting the CHS website. Under the Payments tab, sign in to TouchBase and the show dates will be listed as follows:

• Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.
• Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.
• Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.  

Tickets can also be purchased here at GoFan.

Tickets are live now!