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. Under the gripping direction of Todd MacDonald, the ongoing partnership between La Boite and QUT Creative Industries promises to pack a punch.
Aside from the Shakespearean language, one would not notice the age of this classic tragedy. The costumes, music and mannerisms of the cast set the scene for a modern story of teenage romance, angst and frivolity. The young cast members, students of QUT Creative Industries, brought an enthusiastic energy to the stage and used their personalities to remind the audience of the comedy in characters such as Mercutio and the Nurse who managed to steal every scene. In a society where classic Shakespeare is given a modern spin year after, I found this was one I could truly relate to with the characters dressing and acting like myself and my peers. Convincing audience members that any young man or woman could deliver a long emotional or humour filled soliloquy as if it were the most casual conversation.
In La Boite’s roundhouse theatre the stage design was simple yet utilised to tell the story in a way that left audiences thinking about it for hours after. The musical element was delightful and added more layers. A particular highlight was the well choreographed fight and interpretation of the famous banquet thrown by the Capulets in which Romeo and Juliet have their fateful first meeting.
It is highly recommend to those who would not usually see a Shakespeare play as it reminded us of why the most classic love story ever told still has a special place on the stage and screen. Captivating, bright and moving.
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