Sex, violence, politics, murder - Shakespeare could have been a writer for today's talk shows. But this is not about talk shows, it is about "Romeo and Juliet."

"Romeo and Juliet," the opera, will be presented by The University of Arizona College of Fine Arts this weekend at Crowder Hall in the Music Building.

This production will mark the first collaboration between the Departments of Dance, Music and Theater, the director of the show Professor Charles Roe said.

The Theater Department designed the lighting and sets, 15 dancers from the Dance Department will perform in the first act, and students from the Music Department will perform the lead roles, Roe said.

"Hopefully, this collaboration will be the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between our departments."

In addition, the Theater Department provided a stage combat expert for the dangerous sword fight scenes in the production, Roe said.

A stage combat expert was brought in to teach proper safety for the sword fights in the play and choreographed the fight sequence, Roe said. "The fight scenes have to be choreographed precisely so no one gets hurt."

A combat expert teaches some basic stunt moves, such as how to shift your head back from a punch, and clap your hands at the right moment to make it sound like somebody punched you. Also, how to bend over and grunt like you have been kicked in the groin when somebody kicks the inside of your thigh instead. Hopefully, your partner is experienced.

Although it is exciting, "Romeo and Juliet" is a bit clich­. It seems that everywhere you turn there is another production. This production is just after the release of a new major motion picture last weekend.

When I asked why Professor Roe chose "Romeo and Juliet," he said, "I love the music and I want to attract a different audience. The story is so well known, we hope to attract more college students than usual."

"Opera is the ultimate theatrical experience in my estimation, because it combines drama, music, dance - not to mention the visual aspects like the costumes and sets," he added.

"Romeo and Juliet" is a lyrical opera that was written by Charles Gounod in 1867. It will be performed in French, but it will have English supertitles.

Professor Roe added that the opera will have a double cast, which is two groups of people that are used on different nights. This is done for safety purposes in case there are injuries, and it also gives more students the opportunity to perform, Roe said.

Jennifer Nagy and Candice Smith, both graduate students in the Music Department, will perform the role of Juliet. Adar Garcia and Nam Joon Lee, also graduate students in the Music Department, will perform Romeo.

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Shows are November 1 - 2 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 3 at 3 p.m. at Crowder Hall in the Music Building. Call 621-1162 for advance tickets and more information.

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