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Shakespeare Project of Chicago

Romeo and Juliet

“For never was a story of more woe, Than that of Juliet and her Romeo.” Directed by Michelle Shupe

Romeo and Juliet, published in the quarto around 1597, is one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays.  The classic tale of ‘star-crossed lovers’ is, next to Hamlet, one of the most frequently performed Shakespearean plays -  both during his time and ours. Although the play begins with a street fight between the factions of Montegue and Capulet, (broken up rather quickly by the Prince) Romeo and Juliet appears at first blush to be mostly comedy.  The dramatic action is rife with excited marriage planning, falling in love, romantic counsel, teenage antics, a fabulous party and one of the most poetic love scenes in all literature. But with the death of the Prince’s cousin Mercutio, the play turns darkly to tragedy. The ancient feud between warring families surges to the fore: violence erupts, Romeo is banished and a dangerous plot is hatched when Juliet is promised in marriage to the County Paris. And the wheel of fate turns once more - unable to relinquish their ancient feud, the families pay the ultimate price for their passion, when Romeo and Juliet choose to take their lives rather than live without one another.  Join us for this classic story of fated love. 

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