By Bobby White, VPA Blogger
For a freshman in college, the challenge of harmonizing theatre as well as other academics may be difficult, but for nursing major Daryn Balance ’19 Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet), a world that rewrites the world of Shakespeare and uses various special effects, was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.
“Being a nursing major and being involved in theater keeps me busy,” said Balance, “but I love acting and so far this play has been a very fun experience. So, I am glad that I am a part of it.”
Balance is playing Juliet and she said that this was her first time being part of the Shakespearean world on stage.
“I have been part of Shakespeare scenes in drama classes, but I haven’t done an actual Shakespeare production,” she said. “That being said, this play is not the usual Shakespeare.”
Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet) is a play involving classic Shakespearean characters, such as Juliet, and weaves them into a unique story in which we see tragedies portrayed as comedies.
“This play has everything from sword fighting to love triangles,” said Balance. “No one will be able to expect what they will see next, which makes the whole experience really enjoyable for the audience.”
One aspect of this play that Balance shed some light on without spoiling too much was the special effects that the play contains.
“One of my favorite special effects that we use is a ghost that is actually a puppet that will be on stage, voiced by Jon (Bethel),” she said. “But there are a few more that are really cool as well.”
When comparing herself to her role, Balance said that Juliet is actually quite different than the famous female character.
“She’s nothing like me,” said Balance. “She is very passionate about personal relationships, and puts them over making herself better, while I am the opposite. I enjoy making friends, but would not put them above myself all the time like she does.”
While there is contrast between her and her character, Balance is still having an enjoyable time in the role itself.
“It is still fun to play a 13-year-old on stage though, while she has a little more maturity than most people her age, I still have to throw tantrums on stage, which is a unique experience,” said Balance.
Balance also brought up Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet) strong sense of feminism.
“This play is definitely girl power all the way,” said Balance. “It is girls helping girls find their inner selves in a discovery of self- empowerment.”
Come check out Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet) by Ann-Marie MacDonald at the Fuller Theater at Worcester State on Nov. 19 at 8pm. Additional shows take place on Nov. 20 and 21 at 8pm and again on Nov. 22 at 2 pm. Purchase tickets at BoxOffice@worcester.edu or call 508-929-8843.
Visual and Performing Arts at Worcester State University 