Shakespeare Meets Peaky Blinders in Austin Replica Theater Production

By Lex Stewart, Apr 30, 2024

Bringing the Bard to Birmingham Treatment

This summer, Austin promises a unique theatrical treat to its residents and visitors alike. Austin Shakespeare, in collaboration with the University of Austin, is set to stage an innovative and free production of the timeless classic Romeo and Juliet at the Curtain Theatre. The production marks an intriguing blend of traditional drama and modern interpretation, set against the backdrop of Lake Austin at the Curtain Theatre, which is a replica of an Elizabethan playhouse.

Casting and Influence

The stage will host a vibrant ensemble of 18 actors, featuring Austin Shakespeare veterans Helyn Rain Messenger and Dane Parker portraying the lead roles of Romeo and Juliet. This year’s rendition draws a unique inspiration from the period crime drama ‘Peaky Blinders’, which traces the journey of a gang in Birmingham during the 1920s and onward. This stylistic choice serves as an interesting amalgamation of Shakespeare’s timeless narrative, infused with a touch of early-20th-century roughness.

“The Peaky Blinders feel is definitely in the costumes by Cecilia Gay and in the swagger of the actors,” says Austin Shakespeare artistic director Ann Ciccolella. She also added that the show would feature live and recorded music from the 1930s to 1960s, including some original compositions by Austin singer-songwriters Helyn Rain Messenger and Michael Morse.

A Legacy of Professional Classical Theater

Established in 1984, Austin Shakespeare proudly holds the title of being Central Texas’s only professional classical theater company. This year, 2024, marks the 38th anniversary of presenting professional Shakespeare productions to the public. The upcoming Romeo and Juliet production also signifies a continual evolution of their performances, bringing new dimensions to their conceptual projects with every passing year.

Show Details

The play is scheduled to run from May 23 to June 9, and performances will be held every Thursday through Sunday at 8 pm. Free ticket registration begins on May 1 at austinshakespeare.org. The Curtain Theatre is conveniently located at 7400 Coldwater Canyon Dr., beyond Westlake Hills in West Austin for an exciting rendezvous with classic theater, laced with a modern twist.