Romeo and Juliet

We have just attended our last play at the Pop Up Globe Theatre. (It will be dismantled and reassembled in another city)

Romeo and Juliet was performed by the same troupe of actors that gave us Much Ado About Nothing just a few weeks ago. It was a little weird at first seeing each actor playing their new role, but we soon became accustomed to them. 

While watching this play, we verified that this troupe likes to bend Shakespeare's works a bit, sticking faithfully to his words, but mixing period costumes and settings with modern dress, music and weapons when it suited them.  

In Much Ado About Nothing, instead of Sicily, the setting was the South Pacific, and contemporary English constables played a part.  With Romeo and Juliet, a masquerade ball with modern costumes, the tune from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, and thugs with guns all appeared amidst the Italian period costumed players.

Probably because I'm old(er), I would have preferred to see the plays performed as close to the original as possible, but I admit that using modern touches did provide some laughs that would not have otherwise been.  It was very clear from the audience's reactions that the modern touches were appreciated. 

Here we go then.

We start with one last look at the art in the gardens.

(Trixie's gaze is every bit as direct as Henry's.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Wriothesley,_3rd_Earl_of_Southampton

On stage, Romeo and one of the Capulet guys were circling one another with swords drawn. They took turns singing the tune from The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, as each sought an opening in the other's defences. 

I had my choice of taking a picture of the intense sword fight taking place on the stage, or the reaction of Allie and the boys. 
Blood was realistically spilled.

The aftermath of the fight.

Romeo and two of his friends, while in disguise, have gatecrashed a Capulet masquerade ball. Here, Romeo and Juliet dance. 

 These were excellent seats. I was in 54.

 I've absolutely got to include this shot. 

 Juliet drinks the knock-out drops that will make her appear to be dead. 

Romeo says, "She's dead? That's it, I'm drinking poison." 

 Juliet wakes up and discovers Romeo dead. She's rather upset...

 ...and stabs herself with Romeo's knife.

"For never was a story of more woe,
Than this of Juliet and her Romeo."

 "Our time hither wast joyous, full to the end.  
All liveth restored, hence homeward we didst wend."   -djf

                                                                                                                          

I'm going to miss this place. Thank you Allie for all the good times here.