'Romeo and Juliet' is one of William Shakespeare's, one of the greatest and most important playwrights that ever lived, most famous plays and also one of my favourites of his and overall. It is such a lovely, powerful story, that is the quintessential depiction of passionate love descending into tragedy perhaps, chock-full of iconic lines and speeches and characters hard to forget. There are some note-worthy adaptations out there, including Franco Zeffirelli's, though the available competition is uneven.
Stratford's 2018 production of 'Romeo and Juliet' is a very worthy one and is very good. Especially notable for the excellent supporting cast and uncompromising stage direction that never feels too safe. Despite Juliet's characterisation not being to my taste personally. Stratford have some real winners when it comes to their filmed Shakespeare productions, and their production of 'Romeo and Juliet' is certainly the complete opposite of a failure. As ever there plenty to love for traditionalists and those that know the play very well but also plenty to love for anybody not so familiar without trying too hard.
Am going to start with what doesn't quite come off. It was admirable that it pulls no punches, but there were occasions where it seemed too ominous and with not much hope. Making it too obvious that it wasn't going to end happily with the romance.
Was not overly fond of Sara Farb's Juliet, just found her too headstrong and petulent. Which was taken to extremes early on and she doesn't go enough on a journey character-wise, Farb makes an admirable attempt in making Juliet age appropriate but ends up not maturing enough.
However, Antoine Yared is a sincere Romeo and despite having reservations with Farb their chemistry is beautifully done, amorous and easy to be invested in. Even better is the supporting cast, with the standouts being Evan Buliung's energetic Mercutio, Wayne Best's noble Friar Laurence and Seanna McKenna's amusing and sympathetic Nurse (always a scene stealer in 'Romeo and Juliet').
It is a good looking production, not elaborate but attractive and tasteful. The filming is intimate which makes the viewer feel like they are there, while expansive enough to open up the drama. The music is dynamic with the action and has atmosphere. Shakespeare's text always shines and the stage direction never comes over as too conventional and never has any distaste or gimmicks. The tension of the feuding and the genuine love for Romeo and Juliet are particularly well done, just wish the doom wasn't laid on too thick.
Concluding, very good and almost excellent. 8/10.
