Romeo & Juliet
26 August – 12 September, 2021
- Preview 26 August
- Relaxed Performance 2pm, 4 September
- Post Show Q&A, 1 September
Roma Street Parkland Amphitheatre
This spring, for their 20th birthday year, Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble returns to the Roma Street Parkland Amphitheatre to present their first full production of Romeo & Juliet with an ensemble of 13 actors.
In a city torn apart by warring families, two young people push back against the expectations surrounding them. Juliet refuses to allow her life and sexuality to be traded for security, while Romeo distances himself from the boys club mentality in which he was raised. However, even as they rebel against the prevailing culture, they are products of it. In their greatest act of defiance, the two teenagers find unexpected love. But, is youthful love enough to mend ancient rifts?
Marking the ensemble’s return to the beautiful Roma Street Parkland, Romeo & Juliet promises to deliver the clarity, joy, and live music that QSE has become known for over the last 20 years.
Directed by QSE Artistic Director Rob Pensalfini, this production of Romeo & Juliet will star Liliana Macarone and Sarah Doyle in the titular roles, Rebecca Murphy as the Nurse, new Core Ensemble member Rebekah Schmidt as Mercutio, and Rob Pensalfini wearing his second hat as Friar Lawrence.
The company will once again be running its Shakespeare Beyond initiatives; A Night At The Theatre (ANATT) and Relaxed Performance. First run in 2016, ANATT invites patrons to donate the price of a ticket. QSE then works with community partners – Australian Red Cross, Communify, and ARAFMI – to share tickets with people who might not otherwise be able to experience live theatre.
A Relaxed Performance of Romeo & Juliet will be held at 2pm on Saturday September 4th. Relaxed Performances are designed to welcome people who may enjoy a more relaxed performance environment, including (but not limited to) people with autism spectrum disorder or individuals with sensory sensitivity. Parents and caregivers may also find the inclusive atmosphere relaxing with audience members free to move, speak, and respond throughout the performance.
For ticketing and further information, please visit the Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble website.
Backstreet Brisbane 
Leave a Reply