Romeo and Juliet
William Shakespeare
Two young star-crossed lovers from feuding noble families in Verona fall into a whirlwind romance that ends in a double suicide. Their deaths ultimately reconcile their warring families but at a devastating cost. The play is the world's most famous exploration of romantic love and the destructive power of ancestral hatred. It is celebrated for its poetic beauty and its timeless depiction of youthful passion and tragic fate.
Romeo: A passionate young Montague who values love above family loyalty and social order. Juliet: A courageous Capulet who matures rapidly as she defies her parents to follow her heart. Mercutio: Romeo’s witty and volatile friend whose death marks the play's shift from comedy to tragedy.
First Performance: 1597, at The Theatre, Shoreditch
A popular hit during Shakespeare's life; noted for its emotional intensity and innovative use of structure.
Original Actors: Richard Burbage, Robert Gough