A long way from its origin, including running to 5 star reviews at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff, Wales (where the play is actually set) ‘Romeo and Julie’ is currently playing at Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre in Melbourne.
When going to any creative production where strong topics are the backbone of a significant story, I always take my seat with an open mind. I’ve seen a lot of ‘R&J’ takes in my time and wonder what this one holds. The picture on the flyer includes a baby… hmmm…. interesting.
Advertised as ‘loosely inspired’ by Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’; any script and performance is going to have its work cut out in comparison purely by association of those names.
Romeo and Julie is a modern day struggle. I feel this show will be felt differently by everyone; depending on beliefs you have and whose story within the characters you might more relate to. It definitely brings home a few truths and thoughts about parenting teens (I’ve had two myself) and how teenagers visualize things through inexperienced eyes.
‘Romeo’ (“Romy”) is played by Damon Baudin, a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts and his exceptional training kicks in from his first words to his last sigh. Every single word Damon utters as Romy, his expression and gesture, is as good as I would expect to see anywhere. In fact, sometimes I felt like I was watching the taping of a movie. If Damon is on an A-list red carpet one day, that certainly won’t surprise me.
Romy is an 18 year old giving up his usual life for a situation he never imagined. The realistic props used, especially at the outset, I found a lot of fun and took me back to those memory moments. The audience obviously agreed. How many hours did they practice to have a bag behave as a baby? The scene with a bag and a bottle is hilarious! Romy had done his homework on this subject.
Whilst he was reprimanded as an irresponsible character throughout the story, I believed Romy was also the most responsible, but it may not be apparent until the second Act.
‘Julie’ is played by Shontane Farmer from Perth, a Noongar and Yamatji woman having completed the Aboriginal Performance course at WAAPA followed by a Bachelor of Arts (Acting), after which she moved to Victoria and joined the Red Stitch family in their Graduate Program. Shontane’s goal to become successful in her art and help represent the talent of Indigenous Australians in this medium is well on the way. Her training also stands out years beyond her actual age and from reading her bio, I believe her own traits would be the same as her character – intelligent, hard-working and kind.
By a chance meeting and a spontaneous offer to assist Romy where help is obviously needed, Julie will head on a path to which she must decide to continue or abort. And she will need to do this whilst experiencing both none, and a lot, of support from her family. I particularly loved her scenes with Romy working out how things could be done instead of how they couldn’t and their interactions with each other. This is a smart girl in the picture, so could it be done?
Will Julie go to Cambridge University? Should Romy go with her? Might they both stay where they grew up, and what is a ‘good school’ anyway? There are many questions of much debate.
Instead of both families feuding as you would expect in a traditional rendition of Romeo & Juliet; in this plot, one family is more supportive than the other when it comes to the crunch.
Romy’s Mum (Kath) played by Claudia Greenstone is very versatile in her acting as she has quite a lot of the funnier lines in the show, even though her character’s own personal situation is not humorous. At the end of the day Kath believes “blood is blood”. She may cross a line in the view of Julie’s parents, played by Justin Hosking (Col) and Belinda McClory (Barb). Col will show joy, pride, anger and heartache for his adored daughter and Barb a voluntary mother’s perspective dealing with a teenage girl.
You will have to see the play to find out where the love-struck teens end up, but one thing for sure is this talented cast of 5 keep the play moving. I didn’t even notice the 2hours 40mins in stage time go by. I really enjoyed watching intently as each scene unfolded (literally because the set is foldable) and wondering which way it would go until the very end.
Congratulations to Welsh Playwright and Screen Writer, Gary Owen (this is the first production of the play in Australia), together with highly experienced Director, Kamarra Bell-Wykes and an exceptional team on this project of Romeo and Julie. I appreciated that Kamarra shared some of her own thoughts in embarking on this project and relevance from her own personal life. I was also pleased to see Intimacy Coordinator, Margot Fenley mentioned in the program; such content appeared well done on both sides of safety and comfort for actors and audience.
NOTE: This show contains mature themes and language. It is recommended for ages 14+ by Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre
Romeo and Julie is playing until 18 August 2024 –
Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre
The Theatre can be found at Rear 2 Chapel St, St Kilda East. It was a bit difficult to find the first time, so look out for a gym (Chapel Boxing & Fitness) sign in front on the road and the car park is behind St Martins Church once you go down the driveway. I had no trouble at all getting a car park, I was there one hour before the show. There is a bar within the venue for pre-show drinks / snacks, indoor foyer seats and a nice little outdoor area too. It has tiered seating inside – a small cozy theatre. My friend and I were impressed with the music throughout too and the staff were super welcoming!
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: Jodie Hutchinson
