Shakespeare: the Remix

Saturday, October 28, 2023

By Aaron Jafferis & Gihieh Lee

One of theREP’s most popular On-The-Go! shows, “Shakespeare the Remix” compares the power of language found in Shakespeare’s work with that of early hip-hop and slam poetry. Shayla, a hip teenage girl tackles some of the most famous characters in Shakespeare’s written works. She finds herself in a verbal battle with the Bard himself with both Elizabethan text and her modern-day slam poetry. Students will experience bits from “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” “Shakespeare the Remix” is a striking mix of Shakespeare’s text with fresh, original hip-hop poetry and music. 

Justin Friello and Alisha Espinosa – members AEA in theREP’s ON THE GO production of Aaron Jafferis & Gihieh Lee’s Shakespeare: the Remix. 

Cast 

Celeste Sena – Shayla: Celeste Sena is a New York-based actress, writer and recent graduate of Brooklyn College’s MFA Acting Program (22’). Her most recent on-screen work includes Undercover Life (A&E Networks), Welcome to AfroTree (Warner Bros/OneFifty Initiative) and Rap Pack with Emmy-Winning Actor Jharrel Jerome. She has also done a series of readings and workshops with NY’s leading Off-Broadway theaters such as the Atlantic Theater Company, Public Theater and the Keen Company.

Celeste first worked with Capital Rep on their First 15z Virtual series (directed by Duane Boutte) and then on Rachel Lynett’s Take Me With You (directed by Susan Spain). She is so honored to be back again working on Shakespeare: The Remix with her incredible director Margaret Hall! 

Shayne David Cameris is a local boy and is THRILLED to be back with theREP in a new role. Credits include: Capital Repertory Theatre- “Midsummer” (2nd ASM/Mechanicals US), “The Wizard of Oz” (1st ASM), “Jersey Boys” (2nd ASM/Bob Crewe), “The True” (2nd ASM), “Fly” (Reynolds), “The Irish…” (2nd ASM), “Cinderella: On the GO!” (King et. al), “Sleepy Hollow: On the GO!” (Brom Bones), “Camelot” (Guilliam/Percussionist), “Blue Sky Boys” (CJ Caldwell); Troy Foundry Theatre- “City of Myth: Ilium Sings,” “Where There’s Smoke: Ilium Burns,” “The Prohibition Project: Ilium Was,” “Catastrophe Carnivale” and “New World Order;” Lake George Dinner Theatre- “Buyer and Cellar” (Alex More) and “The Hound of the Baskervilles” (Sir Henry et. Al); Saratoga Shakespeare Company– “Twelfth Night” (ASM/Antonio), “Henry IV Parts 1 and 2” (Mistress Quickly et. Al), “The Winter’s Tale” (Clown), “Love’s Labour’s Lost” (Dull). Creative Associate with Troy Foundry. Love to JSC.

Michaela Savoie – Stage Manager: Michaela Savoie is thrilled to be working for Capital Rep Theatre. Prior to working on Shakespeare: the Remix, Michaela has worked backstage for The True, Jersey Boys, Dracula, Wizard of Oz, Secret Hour, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Honky Tonk Angels.

Kathleen Keane – Road Manager: Kathleen is thrilled to be back at the Rep for this production of Shakespeare: The Remix! She was last seen as the Assistant Stage Manager on the Rep’s production of What The Constitution Means To Me. At the Rep, her credits include Fly, Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, The Wizard of Oz, and Harriet Tells It Like It Is. She also serves on the board at Albany Civic Theatre.

Margaret E. Hall (AEA & SDC) – Director

Personal Responsibility Statement: Proctors prides itself on offering a diverse selection of arts entertainment. Not all productions may appeal to or be appropriate for every person or for all ages. Patrons are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the shows we offer in order to make informed decisions prior to purchasing tickets.