"Give me some counsel."--William Shakespeare
Can one just put themselves in the shoes of Juliet Capulet? That is one of my first jobs as an actress, when I am given any character and begin reading through the script, how can I relate to this character so that her story is true through me?
I've been where Juliet is, we all have after all. In those awkward early stages of love and infatuation in our younger days, trying to sort out who we are, our plans, our goals, amidst the raging hormones of passion and lust. Added to that Juliet's issues with her beloved's family and hers in violent opposition, things would get more than a little murky.
But, Juliet does the right thing here, even if all goes to hell in the end. She does what we all should do, but usually is our last ditch effort.
She asks for counsel, then follows through on the advice of the Friar. So, it didn't end the way they exactly had planned, but she did her part.
So, a lot can be said about Juliet. She is more than just a love-sick, naive teenager; she's savvy enough to not let herself get carried away in the emotional upheaval of young love, be drawn away by the bitterness of family feuds, or act irrationally in any other way (that's her Romeo's job). She thinks things through, seeks guidance, and acts from there.
She's a smart cookie and deserves more than just a passing glance.
"Shakespeare's Lovers" is directed by Southern Oregon University students', Jonathan Pratt and Ceara Hays. It opens October 4th, 8 pm at the Bellview Grange in Ashland, Oregon.
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