The very popular story of the star-crossed lovers was an interesting challenge. Trying to scape from the conventions of this story and looking at it with fresh eyes. In the end the story of the two lovers is one that could happen anywhere and at any time. The feuding families, living in the same community but seeing everything from different perspectives. The Loretto Hilton Theatre allows for the creation of a space that can immerse the audience with its large trust, making it possible for them to be part of the stone floor on the ceiling and parts of the sky on the floor.
The idea of an “eschersque” upside down city, where Juliet is unattainable and out of bounds to him makes sense in a few different levels.
Using the red and blue that the Capulets and the Montagues are know for now but flipping it around to a metaphor of the sky and the earth. The dichotomy of the red as a blooming flower but also as the red blood that stains the streets, the lovely stars and sky where Juliet lives in Romeo’s dreams and the empty darkness after they commit suicide.
With a moving piece that serves as the entrance to the ball at the Capulet’s house, the balcony, the apothecary and in the end moves back and disappears to reveal a world that is seeing everything as it is.
Romeo and Juliet - Romeo banished
Romeo and Juliet - Act 5