READING Repertory Theatre has begun its run of Joel Calarco’s refreshing play, Shakespeare’s R&J, in Reading– the first revival in the UK since the play debuted on the West End 20 years ago.
The play sees a queer reliving of the timeless love story in Romeo and Juliet as the play itself is discovered by four young prep school students.
As for how it feels to be bringing back the production, director Paul Stacey said: “At Reading Rep we have built a reputation for adapting classics in new and exiting ways, such as Dorian and Hedda Gabler, and Shakespeare’s R&J is no different.
“When I first read this script, I thought it was brilliant: bold, visceral, violent and in-yer-face– this is a take on the classic story that I’d never read before.
He explains that the production is as important today as ever, as it “gives a voice to underrepresented communities.
“Particularly the LGBTQIA+ community– at its heart, it’s the story of two queer people struggling to come to terms with their sexuality.”
Brayden Emmanuel, who joins Elijah Ferriera, Luke Daniels, and Tom Sowinski in the cast, said: “It’s a great opportunity and challenge to be tasked with bringing this adaptation back to the UK, in its first major revival in over 20 years.
“This production is so important as takes Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and turns it on its head, by injecting modern themes of homosexuality, identity and friendship.
“It shines a light on the challenges people still face today around coming to terms with their sexuality and identity and finding acceptance from friends, family and society.”
He added: “Having this modern coming of age story, similar to Heartstopper or Sex Education, I think, really brings the story into the 21st century in a way that audiences wouldn’t have seen before.”
Finding a new fresh way into Shakespeare can be challenging, he explains: “His stories and language are so well known and loved– Calarco’s play keeps Shakespeare fresh and modern, as it is full of layers.
“The tale revolves around four school pupils, who while reading Romeo and Juliet aloud begin to find parrells between their lives and Shakespeare’s tale, so as well as staying true to the storytelling of Romeo and Juliet we also have to portray how the students journeys are affected by the text they are reading.
“This new dynamic, although it sounds more confusing than it is, allows us to really bring the text alive in an exciting, high energy and personalised way.”
He said also that there are some real stand-out moments of the production: “I think audiences will love seeing the key moments of Romeo and Juliet brought to life on stage in a new way, for example The Ball scene, or the famous Balcony scene.
“Reading Rep have also brought together an amazing creative team, who have brought the world of the school to life.
“The set, sound, costume and lighting design really add an extra bit of magic to the production that I think will really hook our audiences.”
Mr Stacey added: “This production is fast paced, sharp and poignant. The physical language of this production means that audiences can experience the play without having to have a knowledge of Shakespearean language and elevates the performance in a way audiences haven’t seen before.”
Shakespeare’s R&J runs at Reading Repertory Theatre, Kings Road, from Wednesday, October 11, to Saturday, November 4, including relaxed, accessible, and reduced capacity performances.
Full details and access to tickets are available via: readingrep.com/shakespeares-rj
