Romance, rebellion, and class rivalry sizzle in TWU鈥檚 contemporary production of Romeo and Juliet, playing Oct. 18-29.  Rediscover the humour, humanity, and hope in this classic tale of star-crossed lovers who dare to imagine that things could be different.  Shakespeare鈥檚 profoundly human tragedy hits close to home in a refreshing, West Coast-inspired setting.

鈥淚f you鈥檙e looking for Shakespeare you can sleep through, better skip this one,鈥� joked Cloverdale鈥檚 Mark Fleming, who is playing the part of Romeo.

The Clayton Heights Secondary grad, who was recently accepted into SAMC Theatre鈥檚 BFA Acting program at TWU, had no idea the Bard could be so much fun.

鈥淚 thought I knew this story, but I never imagined it could feel so much like real life,鈥� said Fleming.

鈥淜ids in leather jackets, bantering over a game of pool.

鈥淭he guy in the argyle sweater who your parents think is a 鈥榞ood catch.鈥�

鈥淭he stereotypes you accept simply because everyone else in your group does.

鈥淲hy do the Capulets and Montagues hate each other?  Do they ever actually stop and think about it?鈥�

Langley鈥檚 Angela Konrad directs the timeless tragedy on the heels of her last project, a prison drama titled Jesus Hopped The A-Train, with Glass City Theatre.

The play won multiple Jessie Awards in Vancouver last summer.  Konrad is thrilled to explore a love story this time around and illuminate all of its beauty, grace, and humour.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not just about young love, there are so many kinds of love woven through it,鈥� says Konrad.

鈥淔riends and mentors risking everything for each other.

鈥淗usband and wife trying to do the right thing.

鈥淭he story is remarkably current, and affecting.  It鈥檚 been fascinating to dive into a classic work and find so many contemporary parallels.

鈥淭hese are people who live in our neighbourhood. They aren鈥檛 stuffy, strange-talking literary creations, they鈥檙e real and familiar.鈥�

Sarah Ruth stars alongside Fleming as the star-crossed lovers.

Costumes are designed by Sabrina Evertt, the set is by Omanie Elias, and Nicole Bach is in charge of lighting.

Romeo and Juliet runs Oct. 18-29, Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $7 to $16 with two-for-one Tuesdays and special weeknight discounts.  For show information and tickets, visit www.twu.ca/theatre or email theatre@twu.ca.