With a fantastic twist, Howard and Catholic Universities have teamed up to present "Romeo and Juliet," set in 15th Century Africa, to start Howard's three play theater season. The combined acting troupe turns William Shakespeare's classic tale to center on families from Songhai and Italy.

In the middle of a war between their families, the passion between Romeo and Juliet prove not to be strong enough to break through the madness. Howard University student Onira Satterwhite will star as Juliet and Catholic University student Nicholas Lowe as Romeo. The dates for the play are Nov. 2-4 at Catholic's Hartke Theater and Nov. 9-11 at Howard's Ira Aldrige Theater. The presentations start at 7:30 p.m. Howard will also present the play on Nov. 12 at 2:30 p.m.

The Howard Players will bring in the new year with "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" Set in the living room of a home on the campus of a small New England college, George and Martha entertain their guests through a series of games and vicious manipulations and a raging battle of wits. The Players will present the piece at Aldridge on Jan. 24-27 and 31 and Feb. 1 - 3 at 7:30 p.m.

They will close the season with "Timbuktu!" The musical comedy centers on 24 hours in the life of Hadji. The beggar manages to escape the clutches of the evil Wazir of Police, catch the eye of the Wazir's voluptuous wife, serve as Emperor of Baghdad, and see his daughter wed, Kasa, the handsome Mansa of Mali. Show times at Aldridge are March 7 -10 and March 14 -17 at 7:30 p.m. and March 10 and 17 and 2:30 p.m.

The Ira Aldridge Theater at 2455 6th Street on the Howard University Campus is now also home of the new Fine Arts Walk of Fame. Modeled after the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Howard Walk pays tribute to Howard University Fine Arts graduates who made significant contributions to the arts, music, and theater. The pattern of the star is the Akan Adinkra symbol "Nsoroma."

The University unveiled its first star for theater during homecoming on Oct. 26. The star is for the late Roxie Roker, Class of 1952. Audiences know her best for her role as Helen on "The Jeffersons." Installation for all three stars will occur during Commencement Week May 2001.

Ticket prices for "Romeo and Juliet" range from $5 for Catholic University students to $15. For additional information call Aldridge Theater at 202-806-7700 or for Catholic University performances of Romeo and Juliet, call 202-319-4600.