This July, Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre is thrilled to present the Australian premiere of Romeo and Julie, a modern and comedic love story by renowned Welsh playwright Gary Owen.
Last year the play garnered 5-star reviews in the UK with a successful run at the National Theatre and Sherman Theatre. The title might sound familiar, but it’s a brand-new story of Romeo, a single dad hanging on tight, and Julie, a determined young woman fighting to follow her dream of studying physics at university.
Despite being raised only a few streets apart, the two teens come from entirely different worlds. Crashing into first love, they are knocked off their feet when they come to a crossroads for the rest of their lives, and Julie’s family fears the worst in a world of unequal opportunity.
Romeo and Julie is a sweet and savage love story about the push and pull between sacrifice and the pursuit of personal dreams.
Award-winning director Kamarra Bell-Wykes, brings extensive experience to her vision for the production, having previously been honoured with the Kate Challis RAKA Award and the Patrick White Playwrights Award from the Sydney Theatre Company.
The Red Stitch production will feature two of its own 2023 acting graduates from the long-running Hansen Graduate program, Shontane Farmer and Damon Baudin. They will be joined by an exciting cast including Claudia Greenstone, Justin Hosking and Belinda McClory.
Gary Owen, best known for his celebrated play Iphigenia in Splott, has an impressive portfolio of work. His play Killology, a co-production between the Sherman Theatre and the Royal Court, won the Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre at the 2018 Olivier Awards.
Violence and Son was nominated for an Olivier Award in 2016, and Iphigenia in Splott was listed as one of The Guardian’s 50 best theatre shows of the 21st century. Later this year, Iphigenia in Splott will have a return season at Red Stitch, back by popular demand.
Director: Kamarra Bell – Wykes | Featuring: Damon Baudin, Shontane Farmer, Claudia Greenstone, Justin Hosking, Belinda McClory, Alfie Baker (Understudy) | Set & Costume Design: Sophie Woodward | Lighting Design: Spencer Herd | Sound Design: Andrew Niven (small sound) | Stage Manager: Kelly Wilson | Assistant Stage Manager: Finn McLeish | Writer: Gary Owen
Romeo and Julie
Red Stitch Theatre, Rear 2 Chapel Street, St Kilda East
Season: 24 July – 18 August 2024 (previews: 20 – 23 July)
Information and Bookings: www.redstitch.net
Image: Red Stitch presents Romeo and Julie – photo by James Reiser