The two leads are young and exciting and the veteran actors on stage are generous with both their presence and acting skills. The play features a very clever stage set up that appears very simple at first only to surprise with a depth of application. The use of stage props is excellent throughout as well. There are interludes of song that buttress the work with a fresh approach.

Dressing the cast in skinny jeans and Chuck Taylors and doing away with the trappings of time and opulence makes the look feel current. Staging the fight scenes as street gang warfare turns the brutality into choreographed dance. All these new strands weave together splendidly. This is a play for the fans of Will and those that have a will to be fans.

Cast
Kerith Atkinson, Jack Bannister, Bridget Boyle, Grady Ferricks-Rosevear, Eugene Gilfedder, Darcy Gooda, Nicole Hoskins, Nikhil Singh, Colin Smith and Wei Lan Zhong

Creatives
Writer: William Shakespeare, Director: Todd MacDonald, Additional Dramaturgy: Lucas Stibbard, Set & Costume Design: Anthony Spinaze, Lighting Design: Katie Sfetkidis, Sound Design: Anna Whitaker and Fight Choreographer: Nigel Poulton

Romeo and Juliet is playing at the La Boite Theatre, Brisbane from 25 May – 15 June 2019. Head to their website for more information and tickets www.laboite.com.au

Photo Credit: Stephen Henry

A 21st century re-imagining of Shakespeare’s iconic love story, La Boite’s production of Romeo and Juliet takes no prisoners in its version of theatre’s infamous star-crossed lovers.

Two families at war, two teenagers in love, a three-day affair that ends in six deaths. Did Romeo and Juliet love too much, too hard, too soon? Did their union even stand a chance? And why do we still care?

Under the gripping direction of Todd MacDonald, the ongoing partnership between La Boite and QUT promises to pack a punch. Brisbane’s best emerging actors perform alongside an ensemble of incomparable senior artists in La Boite’s take on this enduring Shakespearean love story.

Romeo and Juliet
La Boite Theatre, Brisbane
25 May – 15 June 2019
www.laboite.com.au