Published on January 16th, 2013 | by PAFF Staff
Shakespeare in Watts
Shakespeare in Watts
Short Documentary
George Washington High School sits on the intersection of 4 gang territories in Watts and is a mile away from the epicenter of the 1992 LA riots. Kids learn winding routes from their home to the schoolyard to avoid streets held by the wrong people. There have been drive-by shootings on and off campus, and some teachers refuse to stay after dark. The school has two on-site probation officers and some students have to wear electronic tagging systems to make sure they fulfill their probation requirements in and out of school. But there are teachers like Dr. Melanie Andrews who are determined to turn things around and make a difference. With the help and support of young volunteer British actors, actresses and film professionals, she embarks on an ambitious project, bringing together a group of students to produce an open-air performance of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The camera follows them through casting auditions, rehearsals and final preparations, as we get to know an engaging cast of students, teachers and mentors as well as freelance Shakespeare specialist Rob Clare, as they transform the students from stuttering, struggling beginners, learning a new language, into accomplished Shakespearean actors. All this against a backdrop of apathy in the community, a drive-by shooting and the dangers of just walking to school. Does this mis-matched group of students have the will, charisma and balls to see this through? We definitely find out. The documentary takes you on this wonderful journey as they fight to bring a community together by delivering the Bard to Watts.
Screening Times: Mon, Feb 11@1:30p; Sun, Feb 17@3:15p
Shakespeare in Watts from Mark Ridley-Thomas on Vimeo.
Cast & Crew
| Directed by | Mel Stuart |
|---|---|
| Screenplay by | |
| Starring | Javier Gutierrez Janelee Rodriguez Kaylynn Bilal Danny Blanco Lloyd James A’Donus Gillett Curtis Smith Joey Moore Matt Wolf Joshua Thomas Nena Dawson Raymond Villeda Frank Simmons |
| Cinematography | Erik Friedl |
|---|---|
| Editing by | George Hernandez |
| Running time | 25 minutes |
| Country | US |
