The show, starring Benjamin Mehl as Romeo and Bethany Jillard as Juliet, is being staged outdoors, with performances Friday and Saturday nights.
The exploration of conflict is integral to the production, said director Jeremy Smith, adding he means conflict as it relates to the world itself and modern life.
"Every morning when I open up the paper I'm seeing these very same words used to describe violence, and especially youth violence, in our community," he said. "Romeo and Juliet is not simply a tragic love story, but a harsh reminder of the effects of violence in our own culture and the play is all the richer because of it."
The show also stars Karl Ang as Tybalt and Friar John, Steven Burley as Capulet, Mark Crawford as Friar Laurence, Christopher Darroch as Mercutio and Paris, Tabitha Keast as Lady Capulet, Sarah Machin-Gale as Montague and the nurse, Kyle McDonald as The Prince and Peter as well as Sabryn Rock as Benvolio.
The two-and-a-half-hour play starts at 7:30 p.m. Organizers remind those interested to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Admission is pay-what-you-can, although organizers suggest $15 per ticket.
For more information, visit www.driftwoodtheatre.com.
The troupe is back in town July 27 for a performance at Streetsville Memorial Park.
cclay@mississauga.net
