Singapore Repertory Theatre’s (SRT) highly-anticipated Shakespeare In the Park series is back for its eighth year, this time with the timeless tragedy of two star-crossed lovers and their sweet forbidden love – Romeo and Juliet. Running from 27 April till 22 May, this romantic classic retold in a modern setting depicts not only the innocence and intensity of unwavering young love, but also the inevitability of fate and the bitter struggle with family and self-identity.
Oh, be still, my beating heart!
One of the best-loved stories of all time and likely the most well-known Shakespearian work, Romeo and Juliet is sure to take your heart on a whirlwind ride of sorts. Your heart will flutter with hope for the two young lovers, swoon with emotion at the all-consuming intensity of first love, stir with anger at the incessant fighting between the Montagues and Capulets, cry in agony as the inevitable doomsday nears, and ache with sorrow at the fatality of their love as the ill-fated lovers finally reunite in death.
Whether you are a fanatic of romance stories (like me), or simply just looking for a good night out, this play is definitely relatable in many aspects – you might perhaps even see bits of yourself in it as you are taken on a magical journey of two youngsters who lose their hearts and minds in the process of finding love.
A set that is a feast for the eyes
The set with its transparent and coloured panels set in steel frames reaches high into the sky, embracing and melding with the Singapore city skyline and the skyscrapers in the background. The design is a modernistic, interesting and highly unconventional take on this classic – rather than transporting the audience back to Verona, Italy in the 16th century, award-winning set designer Francis O’Connor, also the creator behind the Romeo and Juliet set, believes that “the contemporary setting better appeals to the youngsters” of today, and enhances the authenticity and accessibility of the play.
The modern, futuristic set perfectly complements the Singapore city skyline in the background.
As O’Connor took us on a personal tour of the set, we noted several distinctive features, which reflected his painstaking amount of thought and depth of understanding. “A designer isn’t just a decorator, but a conceptual artist that conceives the look and feel of the entire play,” said O’Connor during the tour.
A close examination reveals a deep fracture that splits the stage into two halves. Taken in its entirety, the set showcases a perfect city on the surface, but one where mounting divides course through its veins, the stark result of years of hostility between the Montagues and Capulets. The colours of the panels and costumes of the cast also demonstrate this familial divide, with the prominent red representing Juliet and the House of Capulet, and the blue signifying Romeo and the House of Montague.
The red and blue colour schemes prevail throughout the play, and enhance the stark division between the Montagues and Capulets.
Strongly reminiscent of and inspired by the work of artist M.C. Escher, the set contains several levels and planes; staircases are dissected by sectors of glass and acrylic, exploring perspective, reflection and tessellations that all make for a wonderful audience experience. One of our favourites was the moving platform in the stage centre, which formed a gorgeous satin bed in the romantic scenes, and was lowered to form a grave upon the ‘death’ of Juliet. Throughout the play, the set springs on the audience many little surprises.
There are many fighting scenes throughout the play, which showcase the rift between the Montagues and Capulets. Photo courtesy of Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT).
A love story that transcends generations
Romeo and Juliet is a literary masterpiece that explores themes transcending generations, many of which have taken root in Singapore society today. Set in a fiercely conservative society, the world that the characters exist in was rule-based, patriarchal and informed by rigid conformity. Stepping out of line was dangerous, perhaps even fatal, and nothing demonstrated this more clearly than the tragic fate of Romeo and Juliet. This helps us question the society we live in, its generally accepted standards and the consequences of non-conformity.
“Romeo, Romeo. Wherefore art thou Romeo?” Photo courtesy of SRT.
A love as innocent and steadfast as that between Romeo and Juliet is rare, almost unattainable, in our complicated world today. Their love is one that has inspired countless generations, and will inspire countless more for years to come. One of the most famous scenes in the play takes place in the balcony where Juliet calls for Romeo: “Romeo, Romeo. Wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name. Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love. And I’ll no longer by a Capulet.” She asks why Romeo must be a Montague, her family’s sworn enemy. The tension between social identity and self-identity is striking here – Juliet’s love for Romeo emanates from her self-identity, but throughout the play, her societal identity as a Montague, dominates.
Juliet believes that her love for Romeo, no matter his name, overrides her family’s resentment towards the Capulets – “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose. By any other word would smell as sweet.” Love is never an easy process, each with its own battles and uncertainties, but the story proves to us that this love is still possible and worth fighting for.
The love between Romeo (played by Thomas Pang) and Juliet (played by Cheryl Tan) is one that inspires countless generations. Photo courtesy of SRT.
Even if you are not a literary junkie, you would definitely have heard of Shakespeare. He was, after all, one of the greatest playwrights that ever lived. This April marks 400 years of his death, and there is definitely no better way to celebrate his life and his genius by watching one of his greatest masterpieces come alive on stage and revelling in the flurry of emotions that accompany his works.
What: Shakespeare in the Park 2016 – Romeo and Juliet
When: 27 April to 22 May 2016, 7.30 p.m
Where: Fort Canning Park (Gothic Gate)
Tickets: Tickets are available via SISTIC online or call +65 6348 5555.
