Romeo and Juliet
Theater Program of Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges presents Romeo and Juliet
Directed by Catharine Slusar
This production of Shakespeare’s classic tale of two young lovers is informed by the reactions and responses of Director Catharine Slusar and the young cast members to the COVID-19 pandemic of their own time.
Shakespeare’s own moment in history was deeply influenced by the plague. In fact, in the world of Romeo and Juliet, the outcome hinges on the effect of a pandemic: tragedy strikes when the young lovers’ ally, Friar John, is unable to deliver a message because he’s been unexpectedly quarantined in a house where the plague has struck. And in Shakespeare’s real world, the original run of the play had only one performance before the London theaters were shuttered for fourteen months while the plague raged through the city.
The work of the Bryn Mawr and Haverford ensemble of student actors explores how the threat of sickness and death affects their ability to form new relationships, experience first love, and embark on their adult lives. But the tale told in reverse is ultimately a journey toward love and possibility and away from death and destruction.
(Romeo & Juliet)* essentialized, is an immersive, site-specific, performance. As an audience member, you will be expected to follow your guides into the world of the play. You will wander between dancers, bear witness to a wedding, and move from site to site. Many settings do not have a traditional audience area, but there will always be seats for those who need them. Please follow your guides! You will NOT be asked to speak or participate, just to be present.
Please be advised that Romeo and Juliet will require audience travel. You will be separated into groups and guided to and from each location. We encourage audience members to where comfortable footwear, carry light baggage, and bring a fully charged phone.
Friday–Sunday, Apr. 1-3, 2022
Thursday–Saturday, Apr. 7-9, 2022
All performances at 7:30 p.m.
McPherson Auditorium, Goodhart Hall