Countdown to Romeo and Juliet: Learning to fight

Tybalt%2C+played+by+junior+Sam+Griffin+lunges+at+Romeo%2C+played+by+Erik+Martenson+%28senior%29+in+one+of+the+most+heated+fights+of+the+show.+

Tybalt, played by junior Sam Griffin lunges at Romeo, played by Erik Martenson (senior) in one of the most heated fights of the show.

Romeo and Juliet is one of the most romantic stories ever written, and the tale of the two star crossed lovers has been retold countless times. This iconic romance goes hand in hand with the equally important narrative of two long feuding families, the Montagues and the Capulets. The York cast is taking this story on as they rehearse for their production of the classic Shakespeare play (with their own modern twist). To convey this story fueled by romance and hatred, the cast has taken up both their scripts and swords as “ancient grudge breaks to new mutiny” on the York stage. 

Tybalt and Mercutio, played by Sam Griffin (junior) and Tatum Langley (senior), clash swords in an intense duel.
Tybalt and Mercutio, played by Sam Griffin (junior) and Tatum Langley (senior), clash swords in an intense duel.

“Fighting is very important for the show,” said sophomore Wilke Macariola, who plays Benvolio. “It really helps to show how intense the hatred is between the Capulets and Montagues.”

Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet’s families have feuded for decades. The tension and new modern take on the show heighten the violent society.

“The world and time that the show is set is one that has been built off of violence, and that is very apparent in my character Tybalt,” said junior Sam Griffin. “Fighting is all he has ever known, so that’s his reaction and solution to any problem he is faced with, even though it often isn’t the best way to approach it.”
To ensure safety while still conveying the intensity and realistic nature of the many fights that take place in the show, York brought in professional fight choreographer Orion Couling. Fight choreographers take into account the fight styles of characters and the context of the show to ensure that the fights look real and are safe for actors.

Sam Griffin (junior) and Erik Martenson (senior) receive instruction from fight choreographer Orion Couling, along with help from assistant director Maggie Patchett.
Sam Griffin (junior) and Erik Martenson (senior) receive instruction from fight choreographer Orion Couling, along with help from assistant director Maggie Patchett.

“Working with a fight choreographer is much different than your typical choreographer for a musical,” said Macariola. “Not only does the fight choreographer teach you the fighting, but they also help you establish the trust you have with your partner when battling. This is very important because fighting with stage weapons could be potentially dangerous if there is a lack of trust and control.”

While authentic weapons are not used onstage, there is still a high risk of injury in the high paced fights that take place. Replicas of crow bars, swords, and knives are used, and fight choreographers help teach the cast how to be safe and communicate with each other in the midst of the violence. When they’re taught the basis of safety, the cast can produce more realistic fights knowing they can trust one another.

“Working with Orion Couling was such a valuable learning experience,” said Griffin. “He is so knowledgeable about fights and the history of combat and how that translates to our show, and that helps the integrity of the fight choreography.”

Romeo defends a hit from Tybalt, played by Erik Martenson (senior) and Sam Griffin (junior).
Romeo defends a hit from Tybalt, played by Erik Martenson (senior) and Sam Griffin (junior).

As fighting is such an integral part of the show, learning how to fight has helped the cast become more in touch with their characters. One of the most intense fights in the show is one between Griffin’s character Tybalt and Mercutio, played by senior Tatum Langley.

“Being a character who thrives in provoking fights, really embodying the comfort of sword fighting was difficult at first because I had little experience,” said Langley.

Because her character is a skilled swordsman, one of the biggest challenges for Langley was learning how to convey the same fight skills her character has. To help overcome this challenge, the cast spent hours learning and perfecting fight skills with the help of Orion.

“He [Orion] is very creative and uses the strengths of the actors to create the most realistic and thrilling fights for the show,” said Griffin.

Tybalt kicks Mercutio to the ground.
Tybalt kicks Mercutio to the ground.

With choreography that’s built off of the strengths of the actors, each student involved has been able to embrace the challenges that come with pulling off the final product, all while embracing a new and exciting skill.

“Sword fighting was way more complex than I first thought, but it’s been so much fun; it’s very dancey which was definitely interesting,” said Langley, who is also a dancer. “It’s super invigorating!”

With the help of Orion, fighting has brought another element of the show together as the show grows increasingly nearer, premiering October 27. Tickets can be pre-ordered online at https://www.ticketpeak.com/res/yorkdrama or York students can claim one free ticket at the bookstore with an ID. Make sure to get your tickets now to experience not only the romance of the beloved classic, but also the violence that comes as a consequence of long held hatred between families in Romeo and Juliet.

Orion teaches actors how to fall backwards step by step so when they're running fights at full speed they can avoid injury.
Orion teaches actors how to fall backwards step by step so when they’re running fights at full speed they can avoid injury.
The cast learns forward falls along with backward falls to ensure safety onstage.
The cast learns forward falls after learning backward falls to ensure safety onstage.
Along with teaching the cast the fight choreography, he also talks with them about how their characters should react within the fights.
Along with teaching the cast the fight choreography, Orion also talks with them about how their characters should react within the fights to make them incredibly realistic.
Romeo drags Tybalt away as he lunges for a sword.
Both opponents disarmed, Romeo drags his enemy away as Tybalt struggles to reclaim his sword.
Orion actors how to attack and defend themselves when working with swords and other stage weapons.
Orion teaches actors how to attack and defend themselves when working with swords and other stage weapons.
After learning their choreography, actors practice the fights many times to perfect them.
Although Tybalt is a much more experienced fighter than Romeo, Romeo’s anger fuels a heated match between the two characters.
Griffin holds the sword his character Tybalt uses as he receives direction from Orion.
Griffin holds the sword his character Tybalt uses as he receives direction from Orion.
Tybalt drives Romeo up the staircase to the balcony of the Capulet household.
Tybalt drives Romeo up the staircase to the balcony of the Capulet household.
Romeo lunges off the balcony to escape from Tybalt as he draws nearer.
Romeo lunges off the balcony to escape from Tybalt as he draws nearer, assistant director Maggie Patchett looking on as the actors run their fight sequence.
Orion watches Griffin and Martenson as they work on a crucial moment in the fight.
Orion watches Griffin and Martenson as they work on a crucial moment in the fight.
Erik Martenson practices a moment in the fight where his character has seized both swords.
Erik Martenson practices a moment in the fight where his character has seized both swords.
Griffin pauses and listens to instruction from Orion before his jump off of the staircase.
Griffin pauses and listens to instruction from Orion before his jump off of the staircase.
Tybalt and Mercutio (played by senior Tatum Langely) duel on a ramp at the front of the stage.
Griffin and Langely who are both dancers embrace a new kind of choreography that slightly more violent than their previous work.
Mercutio bites her thumb at Tybalt, or in modern terms flips him off.
Mercutio bites her thumb at Tybalt, or in modern terms flips her opponent off.
Mercutio guards herself against blows from Tybalt.
Both Tybalt and Mercutio are talented swordsmen, making their fight a fast paced, artistic duel, opponents showing off their skills as well as trying to take each other down.
After being forced to the ground, Mercutio reclaims herself and glares at Tybalt.
After being forced to the ground, Mercutio returns to an offensive stance and glares at Tybalt.
Orion watches Griffin and Langley perform a particular sequence in their fight.
Orion watches Griffin and Langley perform a particular sequence in their fight.
Mercutio stands with her sword prepared for Tybalt.
Mercutio stands with her sword prepared for Tybalt.
Mercutio and Tybalt grapple as the drama heightens, reaching the end of their fight.
Mercutio and Tybalt grapple as the drama heightens, reaching the end of their fight.
Paris, played by Billy Riek (senior) along with Mike Bindeman (sophomore) stands with a knife outside of the Capulet tomb.
Paris, played by Billy Riek (senior) along with Mike Bindeman (sophomore) stands with a knife outside of the Capulet tomb.
Romeo grapples with Paris, holding a stage replica of a crowbar.
Romeo grapples with Paris, holding a stage replica of a crowbar instead of a sword.
Orion working with Billy Riek and Martenson on their fight that occurs in the final moments of the play.
Orion working with Billy Riek and Martenson on their fight that occurs in the final moments of the play.
Paris picks his weapon off the ground after being disarmed by Romeo.
Paris picks his weapon off the ground after being disarmed by Romeo.
Mike Bindeman, sophomore, who also plays Paris runs the scene with Martenson.
Mike Bindeman, sophomore, who also plays Paris runs the fight with Martenson.
Romeo prepares to strike Paris, who kneels in front of him ready to defend himself.
Romeo prepares to strike Paris, who kneels in front of him ready to defend himself.
Romeo throws Paris onto the stage.
Romeo throws Paris onto the stage.