Last Friday I got the privilege of watching the best Romeo and Juliet production I have ever seen (yes, including the 1999 film by Baz Luhrmann). Now before you all come at me with your pitchforks, there were two aspects that informed this decision: the play itself and the fact that it was at The Globe.
Part 1: The Globe
This was a big day for the most annoying English major you know (me). Imagine a little kid in a candy story at Christmas, that was what it was like to watch me step foot into The Globe for the first time. Some important background here is that I was always the student who loved when my teachers said it was time to read Shakespeare. Since the 6th grade, I have read at least one Shakespearean play every year (shout out Mrs. Yrle, Ms. Gueringer, and Mrs. Fullerton). Therefore, this was an extreme full circle moment for me. There is also something so incredible about knowing there were people watching the same play as me in the same (kinda) theatre as me centuries ago. Specifically, being right in front of the stage made it easy for me to close my eyes and picture that I was seeing a Romeo and Juliet production in the 1600s. Now, it is true that there would not have been a western twist to an original production (or female actors for that matter). However, the crowd interaction, comedy, and story would have all been the same.
Part 2: The Production
This production of the play reminded me of a quote I heard once: “if you don’t like Shakespeare, you probably just weren’t taught Shakepeare very well.” Truly, I don’t think anyone could go see this production and not enjoy it. This was Shakespeare that way it was supposed to be seen. The actors were hilarious, the chemistry was entrancing, and the audience was engaged. I was shocked that this was opening day with many actors who have just graduated with their degrees. Juliet was the most perfect depiction I have ever seen. She really emphasized that she was just a 14 year old girl, switching from immature to deeply in love to serious. Mercutio was so entertaining, and he really knew how to work a crowd. At one point he even kissed a woman in the crowd (my jaw was on the ground, just in case you were wondering). Romeo was the most convincing romantic lead I have seen of any show in London. Even minor characters like the Nurse, Mr Capulet, and the servant sent me on an emotional rollercoaster that switched from laughing to wanting to cry. Props to all of the actors, the director(s), stage managers, and everyone who made Romeo and Juliet as perfect as it was.
Theatre in London U of A 