Romeo and Juliet - An insiders point of View

Presented by Old Mill Theatre.

Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy, pure and simple. A tale where the finding of love threatens to rip a city apart and, through its death, leaves all with less yet with the promise of more.

The classic tale of forbidden love and all conquering love has been done many times with as many possible variations or interpretations as could possibly be imagined, yet for me there is nothing like the classic Shakespearian presentation (ie in the costumes and setting) along with a real and naturalistic dialogue. Bring that whole concept into an open air stage, surrounded by trees without a wall in sight makes for a very different form of theatre. I often wonder if this was in some way how it felt to be a member of a touring troupe during Elizabethan times.

At the risk of a bit of "Duh!" statement, it has such a different feel about it, both visually and auditory. I had my concerns during rehearsals about the amount of distractions that an open production would potentially suffer. Yet it seems to matter very little once you are on "stage" doing your part. Even when some loon in a nearby apartment block yells out "Hail Caesar!", it seemed that both actors and audience were oblivious to the verbal interloper. Besides which, he should know his Shakespeare better. Caesar does not appear in R&J :-P

You also get the occasional jogger, family or dim-sighted sight-seers who make their way through the "Green Room" blissfully ignorant of where or what they have just passed through. That is not to say that they shouldn't be passing through, it is a public place after all. That they seem to be unaware of all the props, costumed persons and odd-balls muttering to themselves seems a little ... odd. Incidentally, it is often fun to watch these jogger types slow down as they pass by to watch and wonder what the heck is going on. If I had a few more cards, I'd be sorely tempted to pass them one and get them to come next week also!

Most wonderful is the appearance of a certain wheel-chair bound gentleman (whose name I do not know) who has seen not only the two full dress rehearsals, he has also appeared for a couple of the shows! Now almost a regular feature as the show itself, he has been seen many times observing proceedings from the meandering path adjacent to the stage.

For me, the experience of performing an open-air Romeo and Juliet and been an absolute thrill. I would like to thank Old Mill theatre, Stephen Lee and all the cast and crew for making this a truely memorable show.

Photos on Flickr