Cambridge"s New Romeo and Juliet Production Celebrates Love
- The American Repertory Theater in Cambridge is staging a new production of Romeo and Juliet, directed by Diane Paulus.
- The focus of this adaptation is on the love story rather than the feud between the families, with an emphasis on humor to connect with the audience.
- The production concludes with a message of hope, encouraging communities to learn from tragedy and strive for healing.
A new adaptation of Shakespeare's classic play is currently being staged at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge. Directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus, this production emphasizes the love story between Romeo and Juliet, rather than the feud between their families. Paulus aims to present the play in a fresh way, allowing audiences to experience it as if for the first time. The director believes that the essence of the story lies in the life force of love and the struggle of young lovers against societal expectations. Tony-nominated actor Terrence Mann portrays Friar Laurence, a role he hasn't played since he was 28. Mann expresses both excitement and apprehension about returning to Shakespeare, noting the audience's eagerness to engage with the story. He highlights the importance of humor in his character's attempts to help the young couple, aiming to lighten the mood despite the tragic outcome. Paulus supports this approach, stating that comedy serves as a bridge for audiences to connect with the characters and the narrative. By incorporating humor, the production seeks to make the classic tale feel relevant and relatable to contemporary viewers. This connection is vital for engaging the audience and enhancing their experience. Despite the play's tragic conclusion, the production leaves viewers with a sense of hope. The final lines of the prologue, 'strive to mend,' encapsulate the message of healing and learning from tragedy, suggesting that communities can grow and move forward after experiencing loss.