HER Productions presents a brand-new adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet in partnership with Civic Theatre’s UpStage program.

19th - 28th September 2024

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The Civic Theatre Playhouse, 375 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300

"I fear, too early: for my mind misgives
Some consequence yet hanging in the stars"

"True, I talk of dreams,
Which are the children of an idle brain"

This contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s timeless classic seeks to bridge the gap between centuries, weaving the enduring beauty of Shakespearean prose with the visceral power of movement, dance, and physical theatre.

In this reimagined work, audiences are invited to witness the fusion of past and present, as the hauntingly poetic words of Shakespeare take on new life through the language of movement. An immersive experience that transports history into the current day, the piece aims for the universal themes of love, conflict, and tragedy to resonate with contemporary sensibilities.

Director and producer Charlotte De Wit conceived the adaptation in response to disconnected notions within modern society, where technology and fast-paced living can overshadow the profound. She says, “This work is a creative exploration, asking our actors and creative team to work from a place of curiosity and what if, throwing all possibilities at the wall and seeing what best serves this story. Working from such a beautiful text provides great space for the actors and the creative team to explore expressive movement and connection.

“For me, Romeo & Juliet speaks to the tragedy that arises from prejudice and blind hate between two families. Although the play focuses on two families with a long history of enmity, it represents the fundamental loss that occurs when two 'governing' parties cannot see beyond themselves. This theme is still relevant today, as innocent people continue to lose their lives due to age-old beliefs about gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, and politics.”

PRAISE FOR HER PRODUCTIONS:

“A terrific piece of important theatre” ★★★★★ Sydney Arts Guide for Low Level Panic, 2024

“Absolutely gobsmacked and sucked into performance in a way that I don’t know if I’ve ever been before” Newcastle Herald for Blackbird, 2024

“An exciting, up close and personal revival” Sydney Arts Guide for Uncle Vanya, 2023

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​As part of the Civic Theatre's UpStage program, HER Productions' Romeo & Juliet: A Reimagining is one of four shows selected for the 2024 Season. UpStage at the Playhouse provides local creatives with a launching pad for new or reimagined theatre works, where we have been given the opportunity to debut this reimagined Shakespeare classic.