Romeo and Juliet
by William Shakespeare, Australian Shakespeare Company
Where and When: Botanical Gardens, Melbourne, Jan 9 until March 15, 2008
Reviewer: Kate Herbert
The most significant element of Glenn Elston’s Shakespeare in the Gardens is that hundreds of people, many of whom never see Shakespeare inside a theatre, enjoy a night under the stars with Shakespeare, wine and crackers and a picnic blanket.
In such a vast, uncontrolled environment (birds, bats, passing traffic) it is impossible to stage a traditional production. The interaction with audience, amplified voices and casual seating make Shakespeare’s comedies, such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night, the most effective choices. The lounging crowd is willing to accept the licence taken by the actors who add modern references, additional dialogue and roam amongst the picnickers.
Romeo and Juliet is one of Shakespeare’s great tragedies about two warring families, Capulets (Juliet) and Montagues (Romeo). In this environment the intimate romance and deep tragedy cannot be communicated so Elston concentrates mostly on engaging the audience with comedy, fight scenes and characters. The intense moments, such as the death scenes of the young lovers, are dealt with swiftly.
The casting of indigenous actors brings a new dimension to the play but perhaps the entire Capulet clan needs to be indigenous to make this interpretation of warring tribes work.
This production is not as successful as previous shows partly because it is a tragedy but mostly because young or inexperienced actors perform the lead roles. Performing Shakespeare requires a significant amount of skill and outdoor theatre is always a challenge.
Glenn van Oosterom is a boyish Romeo. He is most effective in the playful scenes when Romeo rollicks with his mates or in the lighter scenes with Juliet but he is less successful with the more complex and poetic dialogues. Farmer could be delightful in a contemporary work but struggles with Shakespeare’s language, never penetrating text or character.
The more experienced actors inhabit their characters and bring the text to life. Adrian Dart is a mischievous Mercutio and Anthony Rive is a dignified Prince. Shakespeare veteran, Ross Williams, is commanding as Lord Montague but appears too briefly while Greg Ulfan is sympathetic as the obliging Friar.
Brendan O’Connor and Syd Brisbane are experienced, engaging performers who play small roles in the story but entertain the audience as Masters of Ceremonies and it is this component of the outdoor shows that makes them such a successful annual event.
By Kate Herbert
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