By News and Media Relations

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – MARCH 4, 2025 – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Department of Theatre will present a fresh interpretation of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" from March 7-9.

Directed by Professor Brian Warren this adaptation infuses a contemporary twist into the classic tale of two star-crossed lovers, now set in the Rio Grande Valley. 

Join UTRGV's Department of Theatre this weekend for a modern twist on the classic "Romeo and Juliet," running from March 7-9. Tickets can be purchased online or in person one hour before the show at the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre in the Liberal Arts Building South on the Edinburg campus. (UTRGV Photo by David Pike)

"Without giving too much away, this take of the story is very relevant and modern to today's society," said Warren, who is on his fifth Shakespearean production at UTRGV.

Warren plans to submit this production to the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), which showcases university theatre programs nationwide and can lead to national recognition, award nominations and scholarships for participating students. 

The cast of more than 30 members has engaged in extensive stunt training, including hand-combat choreography, to bring added excitement to the performance. Notably, UTRGV students Nikole Salinas and Matthew Castaneda are designing the costumes, reflecting local culture. Salinas, a senior, is crafting outfits for the Montague family, while Castaneda, a junior, is designing for the Capulets.

“The characters dress like people in my family or those I would see on the street. It is tailored to the culture in the Valley,” Salinas said.

Both students, majoring in theatre, began their designs during winter break and are excited to see their visions come to life on stage. Castaneda said that witnessing his sketches become reality is incredibly fulfilling.

"As a designer, seeing an idea transformed into something you can physically touch is just awesome," he said.

With only days until the curtain rises, excitement builds for what promises to be a captivating blend of Shakespearean drama and modern relevance.

The performance schedule includes:

• Friday, March 7, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 8, 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 9, 2 p.m.

Tickets are available for purchase online or in person, one hour prior to the show, at the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre, located in the Liberal Arts Building South on the Edinburg campus.

To learn more about upcoming productions, visit www.utrgv.edu/cofa/schools-and-departments/department-of-theatre.