Director Sam White talks Romeo and Juliet with Weyni Mengesha

Join director Sam White and guest host, Soulpepper Theatre’s Artistic Director Weyni Mengesha, as they talk about White’s love of Shakespeare, her decision to direct the Stratford Festival’s 2024 production of Romeo and Juliet, and more. Listen as the director responds to burning questions, like how she managed to make a Romeo and Juliet production unique after countless interpretations. Or how she made a 400-year-old play relevant to the here and now? White’s thoughtful answers will leave you ready to visit this classic tale of young love with fresh eyes and an open mind. Romeo and Juliet By William Shakespeare Directed by Sam White Set and Costume Designer - Sue LePage Lighting Designer - Louise Guinand Composer and Sound Designer - Debashis Sinha Fight Director and Intimacy Director - Anita Nittoly Choreographer - Adrienne Gould 00:00 Intro 00:54 Sam White's origin story 01:04 Weyni's influence on Sam 01:58 Weyni seeing R&J's first preview 02:34 What made Sam say "yes" to do R&J 02:52 Sam's introduction to Shakespeare 03:22 Sam's first experiences to the Stratford Festival 04:02 Sam was a stand-up comedian in Vegas 04:42 "I go where I thrive and do my best work..." 04:47 Why Sam loves R&J 05:50 Sam's nerves about doing R&J this season 06:18 Antoni's encouragement for Sam 07:20 What was Sam's way back in to this play 09:45 The importance of gathering around and listen to the younger generation 10:11 Why set the play in period? 12:03 "Fresh" is a key word in this production 12:51 In the essence, energy & big vision of this production is from the heart of 2024 13:21 How to bring Shakespeare into the future 13:37 The Baz Luhrmann reference to R&J 14:06 Shakespeare in Detroit, Sam's Shakespeare company 14:59 The love for telling traditional stories in different perspectives 15:48 To be able to sustain a practise 16:54 To grow who can feel like they are a part of theatre