THE STAGE EDIT: ROMEO & JULIET
“Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?”
This must be the most popular line quoted from William Shakespeare's classic- Romeo & Juliet. It was certainly one of the few lines my young mind was able to easily digest when I first encountered the play many moons ago. Before last week Monday, I had never seen any performance of Romeo & Juliet nor was I aware of the whole story - yes, this does mean that I have not seen the film adaptation of Romeo & Juliet starring Leonardo DiCaprio. All I could remember about this famous tale was the end and I can't say it is one that fills my tummy with butterflies. And when I made my merry way to the Victoria Baths, where HOME's site-specific production of Romeo & Juliet was to be performed, eager to finally find out the events that lead to the tragic end of this story, I was blown away by what I saw and heard.
"A fool's paradise"
Source: Sara Vickers (Juliet) and Alex Felton // Courtesy of HOME
Seeing National Theatre's Skylight and Medea this year via live screenings did ease me back into the world of theatre but this show is definitely an experience I will treasure. Not only do you see the actors in the flesh, but with the way the production was designed, you feel very much a part of the story being told. And even though I attended the press event for this production and was let in on a few things, I was very much pleasantly surprised by all that I saw. Taking place in 3 swimming pools, the story of Romeo & Juliet was made anew whilst still staying true to the original story.
"Do you bite your thumb at us, sir?"
Romeo & Juliet, written by William Shakespeare in 1595, has secured its place as being one of the classics. It is the tale of two people who, in the midst of a long-lasting family feud, fall instantly in love with one another and are determined to escape the slow poison that is their families hatred for one another - hey, if people who have not watched a single Disney film exist then there is someone out there who genuinely does not know this story either. This adaptation of the play, directed by Walter Meierjohann, begins in the ladies swimming pool (spoke a bit about the Victoria Baths in my last post) with a very entertaining dialogue between the Capulets and Montagues who are jeering at each other from opposite sides of the pool and sets the tone nicely for the rest of the evening. And as for the way it ends? Well, if you see it I dare you to not stand up and give them a standing ovation. The stage for the final act is breathtaking.
"Oh teach me how I should forget to think."
Source: Lewis Goody (Benvolio) and Alex Felton ( Romeo)* // Photo by Graeme Cooper
Sat up on the balcony on my well-cushioned seat with my dear friend Mercy sat beside me, I peered over the banister and watched the rendition of a beautiful but heart-rending love story. The performance was bold, fascinating and memorable. When I attended the press event, we were told one of the major challenges the creative team faced was the sound. Though some lines did escape my ears, there were a number of times I was laughing at what had been said, moved by what was happening below me and jumping out my uniquely cushioned seat due to sudden changes in the tempo of the scenes being enacted. For me, not much was lost. So, I think it is safe to say that problem was conquered.
"Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs."
Source: Ncuti Gatwa (Mercutio)* // Photo by Graeme Cooper
With a mixture of Shakespearean and modern day English, we are given the chance to know and understand the characters a bit more. The cast for this production is littered with talented people, a few familiar faces and those whose future projects I will be keeping an eye on. Romeo, played by Alex Felton (A Midsummer Night's Dream; As You Like It; The Tempest), came across as a tortured artist who won me over with his passion and openly expressive nature. Benvolio, his compassionate trusted friend and cousin was played by Lewis Goody (The Winter's Tale; Top Story; Is Anything Broken?). Ncuti Gatwa (Three Sisters; Twelfth Night; Cars and Boys) took on the role of Mercutio, the friend of both Romeo and Benvolio who almost stole the show with his presence, comical views and his fierce loyalty. Tybalt, Juliet's ill-tempered cousin was brought to stage by Wil Coban (Romeo & Juliet). Now, I do not that much about Benvolio, Mercutio and Tybalt which is a shame as I felt they played very pivotal roles in this Shakespeare play but, I guess this is not really about their stories is it? The lovely, eager and devoted Juliet was played wonderfully by Sara Vickers ('Tis Pity She's a Whore; Judgement Day; Dark Road) whilst Rachel Atkins (Blithe Spirit; School for Scandal; Design for Living) starred as Juliet's ever loyal, funny and caring nurse. These are but a few actors whose characters' actions make for a gripping story.
Note: Links are that of the theatre in which they took part in the plays mentioned.
"You kiss by the book."
Source: Ncuti Gatwa (Mercutio) being carried aloft by the cast and chorus ensemble* // Photo by Graeme Cooper
As part of HOME's aim to get the city of Manchester involved in this site-specific project, the chorus ensemble was made up of students from the Manchester Metropolitan University and other local aspiring dancers and actors. You can see some of them in the picture above which is of the ballroom scene. This part of Romeo & Juliet is one of many that really captivated my mind. The energy; the music which was composed by Nikola Kodjabashia; Mercurio's choice of garments; the dancing which was choreographed by Kendrick 'H2O' Sandy; the look that starts it all; there was just so much going on. The movement of all the characters in this scene was such that you have no chance of missing out on anyone's performance due to the position of your seat. Though I feel the people who opted for the promenade tickets benefited a lot as they were but an arm's length away from the party happening on stage.
"Did my heart love till now? Forswear it sight! For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night."
Source: * Photo by Graeme Cooper
Ti Green (designer) and the whole creative and production teams for this spectacular adaptation of Shakespeare's play did an amazing job. The way in which Victoria Baths was transformed to suit the vision and atmosphere they intended is to be praised. Especially the last pool you view the play in. Though it does not do the stage justice, a sneak peak of what to expect is captured in the photo below. Trust me; this particular scene is not one to be ruined. The costumes were also very much characters in their own right; each one emphasising certain traits of those who wore them. I have to say Juliet's dress in the last few scenes of the play was very beautiful and one I would not mind having in my own wardrobe. All in all, the stages were visually pleasing.
"My one true love sprung from my only hate."
Source: *Photo by Graeme Cooper
Being one of the lucky ones who managed to bag a ticket to see this take on William Shakespeare's play, Romeo & Juliet, before it sold out I have to say that those who are yet to see it are in for a treat. And to those who unfortunately did not get the chance to see this production or were not aware of it, I hope this post has at least shed a little bit of light of what a great show it was and made you aware of some other great quotes from this tragic love story.
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Even if you feel it in your bones that theatre is not for you I still urge you to give it a chance. Check your local theatre listings or keep an eye out for National Theatre live screenings for storylines/posters that may tickle your fancy and take a stroll in the world of theatre one last time. I know some ticket prices can be, to put it mildly, a bit off-putting but I am sure that there are great productions with more bank-account-friendly prices taking place near you. For those in Manchester or those will find themselves in the city in the not so distant future, check out Manchester Theatres for a list of shows being put on by the likes of HOME, Opera House, Palace Theatre, The Lowry and The Royal Exchangeto name a few. Something is bound to be happening every month.
So tell me, when was the last time you went to the theatre?
Mo x
P.S. Interviews with Sara Robinson (producer) and Petra-Jane Tauscher (dramaturg) for this project will be live in the coming weeks.
*Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare, directed by Walter Meierjohann, and presented by HOME Manchester (Victoria Baths, Manchester: 10 Sept - 4 Oct 2014).
**Unless otherwise stated, all photos were taken by me/belong to Within My Locket.