When we visited the Globe Theatre to see Playing Shakespeare with Deutsche Bank: Romeo and Juliet, we were thrown back in time waiting with anticipation for conflict, humour and love to unfold on stage. The replica theatre added to the unique charm of the whole experience.
In this 90-minute production, we saw how the traditional story of Romeo and Juliet had been modernised while keeping Shakespeare's original text. The actors were adorned in contemporary clothing, brandishing mobile phones, and spinning on BMX bikes as they became entangled in London's gang culture; an image we see regularly on our news screens. The modernisation of Romeo and Juliet surprised me: it gave a new perspective on the play while also displaying deeper messages behind the performance.
Romeo and Juliet were developed as flawed characters who find each other and eventually fall for each other. The tragedy of their deaths was shown with a prominent level of emotion, as the story was portrayed beautifully, leaving the audience with a lasting reminder of their tragedy. The ending scene was my favourite part, as the emotional depth of the moment captured the essence of their love and fate. This kind of performance made Shakespeare's work feel relatable and thought-provoking for the audience.
Seeing the show enhanced my understanding of the play, because the performance provided a deeper connection to the play's themes, characters, and emotions. We saw characters being brought to life, in a way that reading alone couldn't achieve. It added a new dimension to my interpretation of the play of how a timeless tale and its complex themes can be put simply on stage.
The combination of the iconic Globe Theatre setting, the powerful performances, and the modernised elements created an immersive and engaging experience.
This review written by an anonymous student.