I was first introduced to Romeo and Juliet in a high school English class. To kick start the lesson, we were shown Zeferelli’s 1968 film and right from the start my 14 year old self love it. Full of teenage angst and adult folly it seemed to be the perfect story.
Of all of Shakespeare’s works, it is still my favourite and this year Auckland Theatre Company has served up a version that certainly hits the sweet spot!
This is not a traditional nor staid rendition of the play – director Benjamin Kilby-Henson has knack of shaking things up and his Romeo and Juliet is edgy, innovative and incredibly exciting
Set in purgatory with a distinctly 1960s vibe, the story unfolds with an energetic rush that is spell binding.
It covers pretty much most of the key moments of the story, you know – feuding families, teenage boy boy meets teenage girl and they fall in love in an evening. There’s a violent fight that ends in the murder of a cousin or two, Romeo is banished, and then a dodgy priest hatches a hare-brained scheme to reunite the lovers using a potion that will fake Juliet’s death.
What’s gone are a number of side characters and several scenes, and the play is the better for it as it concentrates on the core story which fairly rockets through.
They’ve also played with the script to bring some modern references and a smattering of te reo which added a nice touch and meant, for example, Friar Lawrence became Whaea Lawrence. Some of the running order changed such as Juliet’s soliloquy in the tomb, actually kicking off the story.
Casting was exceptional with every actor delivering strong and dynamic performances. Phoebe McKellar and Theo Dāvid as the eponymous star-crossed lovers interacted extremely well – she delivering a powerful yet nuanced performance, and he balancing both the headstrong and tender aspects of Romeo very well. Both also created great comedic moments.
Courtney Eggleton as the Nurse was on fire and Amanda Tito who played various roles including a delightfully deranged version of Death was incredibly strong.
There were so many great moments throughout the night but perhaps the Capulet ball was the stand out with its stunning costuming, upbeat music, clever choreography and all round sumptuousness. But the balcony scene, the wedding, and the argument between Lady Capulet (played by the always on form Beatriz Romilly) and Juliet were equally remarkable.
All of the action played out among aesthetically striking sets and beautifully tailored costumes that together evoked faded grandeur and elegance. Combined with a soundscape that brought 60s dance tracks and moody gothic effects the entire feel of the play was richly textured.
This Romeo and Juliet is boldly playful, unconventional, fresh and edgy. It really does shake things up yet still delivers a dramatic and emotional punch. It is the best theatrical interpretation of a Shakespearean story I have ever seen.
ROMEO AND JULIET
15 July – 9 August 2025
ASB Waterfront Theatre