“For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo.”
Dusk settles like a lilac quilt over the Royal Botanical Gardens. Fruit bats emerge from the palms, a light wind picks up and soft blue lights illuminate an empty stage. The heat of the day subsides just in time for eager theatregoers to wrap blankets around themselves and dig into their picnic baskets before the show starts, drawn by the undeniable allure of Shakespeare under the stars.
It’s time for the love story of our century; Romeo and Juliet.
Before the show starts, two actors comb the crowd and rally opposing sides into a playful game of theatrical tug of war; dividing the audience into Montagues and Capulets, drumming up some good-natured animosity. My sister and I, newly initiated Capulets, join in by booing the Montagues as laughter ripples freely through the garden. The park lights dim, and soon we are drawn inexorably into the world of fair Verona.
The stage shines like a bright jewel in the dim – a multi-tiered creation of dark floral wallpaper, climbing vines and swinging barn doors. Though the first scene looks much like I expected it to – peasant garbs, wooden carts and traditional Shakespearean doublets – it doesn’t take long for Glenn Elston’s production to reveal a fresh new take on the classic Roman aesthetic. Glittering saris, beaded kurtas and rousing Bollywood dance breaks elevate the production to another level and entrance the audience with a much-needed injection of originality.
Romeo, played by VCA grad Wolfgang Reed, delights in the first act with an upbeat and quirky take on our usually stoic lead. Paired with Alex Cooper’s Benvolio and Paul Morris’ thoroughly captivating Mercutio, the trio eek peals of laughter from rapt onlookers. Tiffany Wong’s sweet-natured Juliet contrasts beautifully against Romeo’s roguish charm and Alison Whyte’s Nurse provides endless comedic relief. Act 1 feels as bright and promising as the central couple’s newfound love.
As Act 1 draws to a close, the crowd takes the opportunity to dash to a nearby bathroom or the pop-up cafe serving hot drinks. Revived and refreshed, we resume our seats for Act 2. If you’ve seen Romeo and Juliet before, you will know that Act 2 is where everything starts to take a turn for the worse. The comedy of Act 1 is quickly obliterated by the growing tragedy of Act 2, and we hold our collective breath during Mercutio’s harrowing death scene, Paris’ untimely demise and the naked grief of their respective families as they grapple with such an insensible loss.
As Act 2 soars to its final crescendo, Romeo’s final words ring out loud and true through the dark; ‘Thus with a kiss I die.’ The performance rallied rapturous applause from the crowd and left us reeling with the echo of Shakespeare’s most haunting creation.
All in all, Shakespeare under the stars is a great way to spend an enriching evening with a partner, friends or family. Make sure to bring a blanket as it can get quite chilly towards the end. Consider hiring a chair if you aren’t in reserve seating, or relax on a picnic blanket with some choice nibbles.
Find tickets to Romeo and Juliet at www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au.
