The Bluffer - Red Bluff, CA
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/47863
November 18, 2011 Feature 6 Romeo and Juliet Breaking down the famous play Though practices may have Alaina Rudnick Staff Writer Thursday the 17th and Friday the 18 of November are the opening and closing nights of the school's fall play, their rendition of Shakespeare's famous play, Romeo and Juliet. Members of the cast have high hopes for their opening performance. Brianna Penner, who plays Juliet the female lead, said, "I'm excited for the opening night. When the set, the lights, and the actors come together I think opening night will be an exciting experience for all the actors." Ryan Coley, who plays Benvolio, said of opening night: "Opening night, it'll go well. There should be no reason why it wouldn't." There have been some problems though, Jane Kinner, who plays Lady Capulet, said "Well, we had some focus problems, but hopefully we'll pull it through." Miles Leyva, Romeo, said of the practices: "The practices were at times very troubling, and for some embarrassing, because of the lack of memorization of the lines." had, as Penner said, "rough days" members of the cast seem to like their characters. Caitlin Ruszczyk said, in regards to her character: "I love it! My character is Mercutio, the crazy one, and it goes right along with my personality. Also, with my character I get to do sword fights and make people laugh!" "I feel completely honored to play Romeo," said Leyva, regarding playing his character. In regards to playing Juliet, Penner said: "My favorite part [of the play] is the challenge of taking on such a big role. Getting into the part of Juliet, at first, was difficult, because she is a very complex character, but it's turned out to be a great part of my theatrical growth." Penner also had difficulties with the complexity of her character, saying "It's kind of a struggle to play my character, because she's strong and has some hard emotional scenes." Besides their characters, the actors are also very happy with the set designs. "Kudos to the stage crew, and construction class for putting together an amazing set, and also to Mr. Ruszczyk, who helped All photos taken by Shantell Estrada Monday afternoon as the cast was prac- ticing inside the PAC. Actors and actresses pictured include Brianna Penner, Miles Leyva, Tio Rowe, Faith Winiecki, John Bookout, Jane Kinner, Zach Todd-Archer, Dalton Gutieirez. repair the swords," said Leyva. Coley said, "I love the sets. It's really elaborate and obscure." Regarding the play in general, Coley said: "My favorite part of being in the play is getting in front of the audience." teaching the students culture and that reading the material will benefit them. "The play benefits them in many ways. One way is culturally, we are all on the same page with similar background knowledge. It challenges our ability to read and interpret the literature," said John Sheffield, teacher. Teaching freshman Everyone knows the Xarayna Sekscenski Staff Writer famous 400-year-old play of Romeo and Juliet, written by Shakespeare. At RBHS it is required for freshmen to read the play. The famous play is about two young teenagers in love who die together in a tragic ending. While some find the play quite mundane and unnecessary, others tend to find that the play is Shakespeare is one of Sheffield's favorite subjects to discuss in class. "I love teaching Shakespeare. " "I find that Shakespeare's language is difficult I love teaching Shakespeare." I find that even though his plays are 400 years old, the themes are still relevant today," said Sheffield. The plays theme is used in many song verses, movies, and books. Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet will leave a lasting impression on future generations. to understand, the way that people talked was way different than how we speak today. I think it is useful to learn about Romeo and Juliet because it applies to a lot we have today," said Jasmine Acevedo, sophomore. Teenagers relate to the play -John Sheffield because, the story involves the beginning of love, the consumption and infatuation of one who they adore, and the idea of overcoming all odds. "We are able to see a connection, to see the lives of the character. We find we often share the same goals and struggles as the characters," said Sheffield. The play teaches the students and others who read it that great literature will never die. It teaches values and gives great examples of how love can change everything. Dance gives back Carson Dunbar Staff Writer The Red Bluff High School dance classes are currently working on an allotment of charity projects. Mrs. Shilts has been know to get her students involved in their community during periods of time where they cannot use the dance room. This year during Fall semester finals Dance II will be doing some charitable fashion work: knitting scarves and blankets, that is. While Dance II is busying their crochet needles, Dance I will be shopping till they drop. This year they will be collecting and purchasing new toys and assorted presents for needy families in our community. Dance II will begin working on their knitting project later this month. Many of the dance team members have never knitted before. This activity will not only allow them to contribute to those in need it will also teach them a life skill they can use through out their lives. These scarves and blankets will be distributed to those homeless in our community who don't have access to warmth during the chilling temperatures this winter. "I haven't fully announced it to them yet, but we will be making blankets and scarves for those in need of warmth these holiday seasons," said Shilts When asked how she planned on distributing these handmade items to those in need, she said that it hadn't been decided on yet because the project is still in the planning stages. Many of the students are very excited to see their own work go towards the betterment of someone in need. Meanwhile, Dance I will be busying their time picking out gifts for the adopt a family project run by The Salvation Army. This program allows a group to adopt a family in need for the holiday season. Throughout the Christmas season the Dance I students will not only provide the gifts on Christmas day, but also all the supplies down to the turkey stuffing for a Christmas meal. "We will begin assigning tasks shopping after Thanksgiving break. The girls know it's happening but they don't know all the details yet," said Shilts Over the years the Dance teams have established themselves as a contributing asset to the community. Along with learning to dance students have been enabled to experience the feeling of self accomplishment that comes with knowing they made a difference in someone's life.