Arguably William Shakespeare’s most famous play, “Romeo and Juliet” is currently being staged at St. Charles Borromeo Church on Sidney Place. In this version, presented by Theater 2020, the warring Capulets and Montagues are Muslim and Hindu, with the action largely occurring amid the altar and aisles; the director, David Fuller, also used the pulpit to serve as Juliet’s balcony in the famous “Wherefore are thou, Romeo?” scene. (In my mind, the best of the show.) Love quickly drives Juliet from swooning to suicidal, though Poonam Basu handles both extremes with equal aplomb, while Nicholas Pollifrone dominates the altar/stage as his Mercutio grows unhinged.
From Theater 2020:
A troupe of eight skilled street performers tells this timeless tale of adolescent love through the prism of 21st Century attitudes and prejudices in a trim 90-minute version: when a Hindu and a Muslim fall in love at first sight, sparks fly, igniting centuries-old tribal passions. Love and laughter are followed by death and despair: why must it take tragedy to bury ancient animosities?
Tickets can be bought on site or here—hurry and you can make tonight’s performance at 8:00! And for those who are wondering, the church is air conditioned.
