Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Aquila Theatre Company, one of the world's foremost producers of touring theatre, will present William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, in W.M. Turner Auditorium, as part of the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts' University Series.

Written over 400 years ago, Shakespeare's story of the star-crossed lovers has been re-imagined in almost every art form, including ballet, opera and numerous films.

However, according to the company's press package, Aquila's production returns to the essential spirit and vivid excitement of the original dramatization. "After 15 years of national and international touring, we have learned that our audiences come to see Aquila for an evening of innovative and daring theatre that respects and rejoices in the original text."

In delivering the lines from "Romeo and Juliet," the eight-member cast will articulate what the company's Web site refers to as "some of the most exquisite poetry ever written."

Aquila Theatre Company tours extensively throughout North America and Europe and is the Company-in-Residence at New York University's Center for Ancient Studies. It has presented regular runs in New York and London and multiple performances in major cities across the United States, including Los Angeles, Boston and Washington, D.C.

Additionally, the company is the largest participant in the National Endowment of the Arts' Shakespeare in American Communities program and stages performances at Shakespeare festivals around the world.

"We are fortunate, indeed, to have a theatrical company of this caliber on our University Series and to be able to offer this production to the greater East Texas community," said Dr. John W. Goodall, interim dean of the SFA College of Fine Arts. "And we thank our corporate sponsor, Regions Bank, for helping to bring Aquila to Nacogdoches."

Prior to the performance, Dr. Rick Jones, SFA associate professor of theatre, will present a brief informative talk at 7 p.m. in Griffith Gallery, located across the hall from Turner Auditorium in Griffith Fine Arts Building. All audience members are welcome.

Tickets are $30 for A seating, $24 for B seating and $15 for C section, with discounts available for seniors, students and children. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.