Two plays of interest to the LGBT community are being performed by the Thunder Mountain Theatre Project in Juneau, this weekend through mid-February: Dying City by Christopher Shinn, and Shakespeare’s R&J, adapted by Joe Calarco.

Shakespeare’s R&J explores issues of sexuality as four boys act out a secret production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to rebell against their oppressive school. Four male actors play all the roles, including the female characters, remaining in their boy’s school uniforms throughout the show. (pictured at right)

Dying City is about the cost of the Iraq war on a dead soldier’s wife and gay twin brother, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. The author Christopher Shinn is a recipient of the Robert S. Chesley Award, which recognizes the work of an emerging gay or lesbian playwright. 

Thunder Mountain Theatre Project was founded in 2007 by Flordelino Lagundino. “We choose plays that act as a mirror to society by exploring the social, political, and cultural issues of our time,” says the Project’s web site. “[W]e seek to provide theatrical experiences for all ages that speak to the rich diversity of our community.”

Dying City & Shakespeare’s R&J will be performed in repertory at the The Old Elk’s Hall, 109 S. Franklin Street, January 29 – February 15, 2009. Tickets are available at Hearthside Books. See the Thunder Mountain schedule for dates and times.