
JULY 17, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Memorial Park at Van Neste Square will be the scene this Sunday of a modern spin on William Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet.” The production continues the annual tradition of free “Shakespeare in the Park” sponsored by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce.
The play’s full name is “Romeo & Juliet: Political Warfare,” which should give insight to what the modern spin is. The tragedy will explore the feud between the Montagues and Capulets, a prominent pair of warring families, while focusing on the way that such a conflict can be viewed in terms of today’s politics.
“What makes Shakespeare’s work so classic is that it can be adapted in many ways,” said Ryan Pifher, owner/director of Porch Light Productions, the company presenting the play. “This summer, we are taking ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and setting it during a modern political campaign where the Capulets and Montagues are both running for control. This backdrop seemed fitting as we are now seeing the beginnings of our own presidential race take place.”