ReThink is dedicated to interesting and accessible storytelling, but what does "accessibility" mean? Free tickets are great- and ReThink will always be free- yet there is much more to accessibility. When I was taken on as the director of this project, I thought beyond the scope of the timeless play itself.  I considered how to make this story open to people who have seen it many times, who only have a passing familiarity with the work, and who might not have much interest in theater at all. The impact of a play can be measured by what the audience sees of themselves represented on stage.  I believe that one of the most beautiful aspects of theater is that it is for everyone, regardless of age, race, nationality, gender, or sexual orientation. Someone who can relate to the humanity on stage can become engrossed in the story, and even transported to another time and place because they have a tangible connection to the performance.

I am proud to say that ReThink's production of Romeo and Juliet has a cast of actors from many different walks of life and that the actors have brought their own viewpoints and storytelling skills to the stage. Romeo and Juliet is a timeless classic because of its wonderful theme of love in its many varieties: romantic, platonic, friendly, and familial. Set in no particular time period in Verona, Italy, we played with the ideas of gender roles- the Montagues representing masculinity; the Capulets, femininity- to show that both are, in fact, fluid. Social and generational division is the adversity the title characters must overcome, but the potential for young love is ripped away from them because their families are unable to change, a reminder that if we are unable to change for our next generations they will face tragedy. I like to welcome all of you again to Rethink Production of Romeo and Juliet in the beautiful Rutgers Gardens.