This week, IGS Senior Drama students brought Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to life in the Commedia Playhouse, with sold-out performances presented across three evenings.
Directed by acclaimed Shakespearean actor and theatre practitioner Damien Strouthos, this striking production reimagines the classic tragedy through the lens of late-1960s Italy, a period marked by both beauty and political unrest. Through this interpretation, the production explores the enduring themes of division, generational conflict and the cost of inherited hatred.
Set within a society fractured by an ancient feud between the Montagues and Capulets, the story begins with the energy of young love but quickly descends into tragedy. In this production, casting actors close to the characters’ ages heightens the urgency of the story, with youthful passion and impulsiveness bringing both tenderness and intensity to the stage.
Lighting plays a central role in the production’s visual language. What begins as an intimate, lantern-lit glow between Romeo and Juliet gradually expands outward, illuminating the wider conflict that surrounds them. As the story unfolds, the audience is reminded of the devastating cost of a feud that has long outlived its meaning.
Principal Shauna Colnan attended opening night and praised the remarkable performances by the student ensemble, “It was a truly beautiful production – so hard to believe that the ensemble is made up of school students rather than professional actors. Such a complex play, artfully directed by Damien Strouthos and produced by Rita Morabito. Congratulations to the cast and crew for a triumphant opening night.”
Rita Morabito Director of Dramatic Arts shared “I am immensely proud of the commitment, maturity, and grit shown by our senior students. They have brought this beautifully tragic play to life in our Commedia Playhouse. Every rehearsal and show night has been marked by a determined effort to further understand the world of the characters they play. It has been joyous to work again with Damien Strouthos. He collaborates generously when unlocking his masterful creative vision. Through his evocative use of sound and light, we become fully immersed in Shakespeare’s poetry and magic. As the cast took their bows, they were met with a standing ovation from the audience, many of whom were brought to tears by the power of this show. Thank you to the creative team, and to all who have supported this exquisite production of Romeo and Juliet.”
Congratulations to the talented student cast and the dedicated creative team for bringing this powerful production to life. Special thanks to Director of Dramatic Arts Rita Morabito for her leadership and commitment to nurturing the Dramatic Arts at IGS, and to Damien Strouthos for his inspiring direction and collaboration with our students.
Cast
Matilda B – Abriana
Leon C – Prince Escalus
Luca C – Paris
Gretel D – Sister Laurence
Genevieve E – Gregory / Suitor
Oscar F – Lord Capulet
Elliot F – Tybalt
Claudine G – Peter / Watchman
Kai H – Mercutio
Ned I – Lord Montague / Suitor
Margot M – Rosaline / Apothecary
Fin M – Balthazar
Anna M – Lady Capulet
Alice M R – Lady Montague
Charlie M – Benvolio
Orla O’R – Nurse
Connor R – Romeo
Alice R – Juliet
Ryder W – Sampson / Suitor
Creatives
Director – Damien Strouthos
Producer – Rita Morabito
Costume and Set Design – Anna Gardiner
Lighting Design – Ruth Lowry
Sound Design – Damien Strouthos
Stage Manager – Tilly M
Poster Design – Matilda B, Alice M-R
Intimacy Coordinators – Chloë Dallimore, Shondelle Pratt
Publicity and Promotion – Georgia Barnes, Janaina Souza Da Silva
Set Construction – Jamison Building
Light and sound assistance – Tilly M
