NYC’s Shakespeare In the Park Presents Romeo & Juliet Modern Retelling Of Classic At Outdoor Theater Venue
Editor’s note: Readers may remember our coverage of Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre’s presentation of the “Not Forgotten Play Festival,” remembering woman playwrights that have made their mark in the performance and theatrical space. That same theatre presented an atmospheric-horror reimagining of “Dr. Faustus.”
While the play was primarily in English, the actors playing Romeo and Juliet often speak to each other in Spanish to highlight their shared secret love in their own private world. This is a faithful retelling of the original story, and its two star-crossed lovers, the main characters, are somewhat new to the stage. They join a veteran cast of Tony award-winning stage actors.
From their Instagram post:
As the Montagues and Capulets are torn apart by ideology and simmering violence spills into the streets of a divided Verona, Romeo and Juliet dare to defy a world determined to keep them apart. In this bold new staging, the play unfolds in English, but Romeo and Juliet speak to one another in Spanish—a language reserved only for their shared world. Directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Saheem Ali.
This incredible company takes the Delacorte stage beginning May 22 in Central Park.
Romeo & Juliet
Venue The Revitalized Delacorte Theater
Runtime 2 hours and 40 minutes, including one intermission
By William Shakespeare
Spanish Translations by Alfredo Michel Modenessi
Choreography by Mayte Natalio
Directed by Saheem Ali
The Public’s Associate Artistic Director and Resident Director Saheem Ali brings Shakespeare’s legendary star-crossed lovers to Central Park for the first time in nearly 20 years. Never was there a story of more woe, or more romance, than the Bard’s timeless tale of two young lovers from warring families. As the Montagues and Capulets are torn apart by ideology and simmering violence spills into the streets of the border town of Verona, Romeo and Juliet dare to defy a world determined to keep them apart. In this bold new staging, the play unfolds in English, but Romeo and Juliet speak to one another in Spanish. Don’t miss this thrilling new production, essential viewing for lovers of Shakespeare, theater, and the enduring power of love itself.
Banner Image: Shakespeare in the Park image. Image Credit – Citizen NYC
