Shakespeare’s R&J

Gender Bender

Shakespeare’s R&J

by Joe Calarco

Reading Rep Company at the Reading Rep Theatre, Reading until 4^th November

Review by Sam Martin

Shakespeare’s classic story of Romeo and Juliet is well known by audiences; however, this adaptation brings a sense of the contemporary that is rare in other versions of the “infamous” (as seen by the protagonists) script.  The four male characters, students at a strict school, discover the play text of Romeo and Juliet and re-enact its narrative, interweaving the classic love story with the discovery of desire between two of the teenagers.  

Paul Stacey’s staging captures the sense of excitement and potential danger of this match by placing the teenagers within a school system that appears to have strict rules and expectations.  Their stylised movement in the opening, pared with their sharp intake of breath as in readiness for the day ahead, the adjusting of themselves and their uniform in unison, all contribute to the feeling of being stifled or confined in their school life. 

Anna Kelsey’s set design complements this rigid atmosphere with the clean, straight lines of the set mirroring the strictness of the institution.  Equally pleasing is the raised nature of the centrally platform, giving a clear division between the world of the play the students are enacting, and their reality.  At times all characters are fully immersed together, but there are some moments where one or two characters are observing the others ‘at play’, judging or noticing the action unfold and in the case of the students playing Romeo and Juliet, the lines blurring between fantasy and reality.

The opening movement sets up the world of the students, and the potential negative consequences of their actions and developing infatuations, are punctuated through the thunder and lightning rumbling above their ‘play’.  This constant reminder caught the audience in moments of relative silence, a clever tool to prompt us that any romance between the students would be challenged back in the reality of the stiff, strict environment that are accustomed to.  The interplay of the barriers faced by Romeo and Juliet due to the hatred between their families, and the two teenagers concern about demonstrating their true feelings was carefully balanced in the production.

The cast worked seamlessly together, moving deftly between characters that at first were exaggerated and playful, but become earnest and solemn as the narrative increased in intensity.  Elijah Ferreira (Romeo/Student 1) crafted the infatuation between Student 1 and Student 2 into each interaction and the attraction was palpable.  Brayden Emmanuel (Juliet/Student 2) gave an understated, moving performance that captures the character’s desire, but also the hesitation at revealing his true feelings beyond the confines of the ‘play’.  Some powerful moments between them were heart-warming, emphasising their draw to one another as Student 1 and Student 2 through the repeated sound of a heartbeat racing and a sighing breath sound effect.  Their intimate moments overlapped the fictional love story with their own and the doubling of the narratives were well paced and acted to define where the ‘play’ ended and their realities seeped in.

A highly enjoyable, timely, thoughtful, and moving adaptation that casts new light on the traditional love story.  All four actors were evenly matched and captured the playfulness of youth alongside reviving some of the world’s most loved characters.  Another success for Reading Rep Theatre!

Sam Martin, October 2023

Photography by Harry Elletson