A Theatre Review by Paige Jenkins and Skyla Yorke.
Theatre lovers filled the foyer of UOW’s Jillian Broadbent building on Friday night to watch the first of many shows put on by the University’s theatre majors, ‘Juliet and Romeo’, directed by Tim Maddock. The performance, a final assessment for the semester, was a smashing and slashing good time.
An excellent twist to a classic story, littered with pop culture references and modern day (crass) language, ‘Juliet and Romeo’ managed to keep true to the plot of the 1597 text, whilst also leaving its audience with mirth in their eyes and strains in their cheeks from laughter.
‘Juliet and Romeo’, a play written by Mark Rogers, added fresh soil to Shakespeare’s original work, and highlighted a range of relevant social issues and elements of the 21st century, despite originally being written a decade ago.
The cast integrated many of modern scholars’ objections to the original story including Juliet’s age, and the tendency for certain characters to act or dress in particular ways. It’s well known that Mercutio could be played as a cross-dresser, as seen in Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 film adaptation, but ‘Juliet and Romeo’ left gender discussions at the back door with a genderbent cast, emphasising the genderfluidity of these characters and exploring their dimensions in new contexts. Juliet’s nurse (Jordan-Leigh Estephan), donning a pink velvet tracksuit and pigtails stole the show with her ‘girlypop’ gait and love for Heston Blumenthal. Sophie Brunner invited a female perspective to Romeo’s character, exploring modern relationships and the roles men play according to the female gaze.
Youth culture, both classy and crass, is at the forefront of this play as colloquial language is interwoven with Shakespearian poetics. The flannels, backward caps and 2000’s matching tracksuit set, brought a familiarity and realness to the characters. Transforming a traditional swordfight scene that begins with a “do you bite your thumb at me sir”, into a bum-bag wearing, obnoxiously loud speaker ‘eshay’ scuffle, where kitchen knives are pulled from jean pockets was a stroke of brilliance that left the audience in stitches.
Mercutio, played by Madison Lopez, was a crowd favourite, bringing a raw animosity and abundance of fun to her character. In contrast, her role as Daddy Capulet was incredibly confronting, shocking the audience with her ability to switch between loving and abusive with the flip of a coin.
William Braham, the stunning Juliet, complete with two high pigtails, a crop top and denim skirt was the epitome of 2000s teen culture. William captured the dramatic 14 year-old girl who thinks that they are hopelessly in love with a guy, to a T. Mourning the banishment of your secret love, and pretending you’re mourning the death of your cousin, all under a gigantic Tiger blanket may not be a universal experience, but lying on your bed and telling your mum to “fuck off” when she tries to enter, definitely is.
The play sees Friar Lawrence (Jarrah Carlisle) asking for cheque, savings or credit as payment for his services, which was a humorous, thought-provoking commentary on the cost of living crisis, especially when the Apothecary (Trinity Preston) who supplied Romeo’s suicide method was also motivated purely by financial gain.
‘Juliet and Romeo’ was an incredible performance. A star-crossed romance of the ages, set against a backdrop of sparkles, rave music, Taylor Swift and SNL brought together a room full of Millenials and Gen Z’s. Lots of laughter, a bit of cringe and a dash of drama all made for a fantastic Friday night. We recommend you grab yourself a ticket and head to building 29 before the transition into next week’s performances of ‘The Future Show’ which will run from the 11th-13th of October. There are plenty more shows to attend with the final play, ‘The Flu Season’ closing the lineup of performances on the 11th of November. UOW’s theatre season is one that you don’t want to miss out on!
Watch ‘Juliet and Romeo’ tonight!
Photo credits: Olivia Holley.