Bell Shakespeare’s 2016 season will open with one of the greatest love stories ever told, Romeo And Juliet at the Sydney Opera House on 24 February, before touring to the Canberra Theatre Centre and Arts Centre Melbourne.
Romeo And Juliet is the classic tale of forbidden love blooming in the rubble of an unending battle. Violence rumbles through the streets with two families at war. From such angry beginnings flame the fire of passion and forbidden love.
A tale of a chance meeting, love at first sight, the passion of youth and ancient feuds spilling blood. In a city divided by anger and from rivalling families, Romeo and Juliet come together in a dangerous union of love.
Beautiful and intimate, Romeo And Juliet will be directed by Artistic Director Peter Evans, who will breathe new life into this Shakespearean classic. “It’s not an accident that my first programme as Artistic Director for Bell Shakespeare I chose one of Shakespeare’s most evocative romantic tragedies,” says Evans.
“One of Shakespeare’s greatest virtues is that he allows us to wear our emotion on our sleeve. He provides us with the timeless poetry that pierces through the silence of modern manners.”
Evans has assembled a highly-talented cast, including Alex Williams (Underground: The Julian Assange Story, INXS: Never Tear Us Apart) as Romeo, and Kelly Paterniti (Bell Shakespeare’s As You Like It) as Juliet, while Anna Cordingley’s (Bell Shakespeare’s Tartuffe, Macbeth) lavish costumes and set will reimagine the world of Verona with a distinct nod to a time long past creating a unique, modern production… with fabulous frocks!
Director: Peter Evans With: Cramer Cain, Michelle Doake, Michael Gupta, Angie Milliken, Kelly Paterniti, Hazem Shammas, Tom Stokes, Damien Strouthos, Justin Stewart Cotta, Jacob Warner, Alex Williams Designer: Anna Cordingley Composer & Sound Designer: Kelly Ryall Fight & Movement Director: Nigel Poulton Voice Coach: Jess Chambers
Romeo And Juliet
Playhouse – Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
Season: 24 February – 27 March 2016 (previews: 20 – 23 February)
Bookings: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Playhouse – Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra
Season: 2 – 9 April 2016 (preview: 1 April)
Bookings: www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Fairfax Studio – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne
Season: 14 April – 1 May 2016
Bookings: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
For more information, visit: www.bellshakespeare.com.au for details.
Image: Kelly Paterniti and Alex Williams feature in Bell Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (supplied)