Written by Zeying Lang
What if the person your love is from the family that you are supposed to hate. What if the love of you is forbidden and strongly against by all your families. Would the love be as passionate and pure, or would you call it the doomed faith for love and leave'
Intro
The story of Romeo and Juliet is one of the most famous love tragedies in history. This play was originally written by William Shakespeare in 1594. Later, it has been adopted and interpreted in many different versions and in many different languages. In this play, the core of Romeo and Juliet and the story that happens in centuries ago has been adapted into a modern frame. The modern version, a revival of the love story of Romeo and Juliet, includes more relaxed elements compared to the classic tale, and it focuses more on the adolescence problems. This re-interpreted play mixes with current language habits, and the character motivations are following the current social standards.
To view the full show, click on the link below:
The Ancient Tale in Modern
Romeo and Juliet are from two different families that feuded in the past generations. When Romeo and Juliet fall in love with each other, they don’t know the background of each other’s families. When they find out that the person they love is the one that they are supposed to hate, the love between them is obstructed by the surrounding people. However, the love between two young people is so pure and passionate. They asked the priest to complete their marriage secretly, and they promised themselves to each other. To avenge for his friend, Romeo kills Juliet's cousin. Unfortunately, Romeo is exiled by the city on charges of murder after, and the two loving perosons are forced to seperate. After Romeo leaves, Juliet is assigned to another marriage by her family. To avoid the marriage, she took pills to fake her death. However, her death news not only successfully tricked her family, but also Romeo. Romeo kills himself as he thinks Juliet, his lover is dead. After, Juliet kills herself too to follow Romeo. In the modern version of Romeo and Juliet, the storytelling is a little bit different. The main characters live in current society, and trend matching clothes are worn by characters. The languages characters used are contrary to the language style of Shakespeare. There are also some cross-gender castings.
Changes
In the modern version, Romeo's friend is wearing street girls' costumes, and she's wearing Dr. Martens and the costumes are bold styles. Generally, the Characters’ languages and movements are exaggerated, and more obeys the current society languages habits. The classic balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet is presented with some humorous elements.
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What’s next
The play is presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), a UK company that professionally focuses on the plays written by William Shakespeare.
For more information about the play, click the link below and browse the official website of RSC.