Romeo & Juliet

University of Nevada, Reno Written by William Shakespeare, Directed by Rosie Brownlow-Calkin 

Scenic Design by Kyle Blomquist, Costume Design by Leah Hummel

Independent Study - B.A. Design Thesis, Advisor: Don J. Eller

Director Rosie-Brownlow Calkin endeavored to bring Romeo & Juliet into the contemporary moment by envisioning a setting of an American fundamentalist enclave. The production explored primary themes of totalitarianism, control, manipulation, naivete, and explosive passion. In my lighting design, I focused on the moments of thematic elevation and removal from a naturalized setting to further the tension between the characters and their society. How does a community get formed in these ways? What does it take to keep people divided? What lengths might one go to for those they think they love? Will we learn the lessons we need to, or continue with the status quo?

Concept

Romeo and Juliet is about the manipulation of a community into infighting that leads to the tragic deaths of many of its own members. The lighting will utilize changes in color, angle, and texture to establish the location and time throughout the play, as well as thematically enhance moments that reveal what is truly happening within the community. 

Workflow

Selected Deliverables

Production Images