BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Sunday, May 24
Review by Brenda Harwood
In its 65th anniversary year, Dunedin’s Globe Theatre continues a long-standing tradition of presenting innovative, imaginative productions of classic plays — in particular Shakespeare.
And so it is with the theatre’s current production of Romeo & Juliet, adapted in tribute by director Brent Caldwell to reflect rural Otago in 1961.
Led by the creative team of Caldwell, production manager Penelope Hare, and choreographer/composer Tobias Devereux, a large cast of Globe regulars offer a sterling performance of the play.
At the heart of the cast as the giddy young lovers are Chris Cook and Caitlin Gordon, who beautifully embody the reckless delight of Romeo and Juliet in each other, and their determination to be together, whatever the cost.
Sheena Townsend gives a nuanced performance as the nurse, making the most of the character’s emotional range, from comedy to despair.
The warring young bloods of the Capulet and Montague farming families are superbly presented by Maegan Stedman-Ashford as a hot-tempered Tybalt; Sacha McConnon as a swaggering Mercutio; and Eva Captijn as a level-headed Benvolio, with support from Emily Gilbert (Balthazar), Kaiser Coles (Petruchio) and Caleb Collier (Abram).
April McMillan Perkins is a fierce and daunting Capulet — combining the roles of both Lord and Lady Capulet, whose collusion with wealthy suitor Paris, played by Will Morris, triggers the play’s final tragedy.
Daniel Mason is strong as the kindly, flawed Friar Lawrence, and Nicholas Turner intervenes at critical moments as the policeman.
Ray Spence nicely embodies the ageing Montague, blind-sided by the unfolding disaster.
Adding to the action were Brenna Fields as the Page, Bethan Ardouin as Sister John, and Lukas Cameron as the Apothecary.
Staged on a minimal set with elements of film, designed by Amber Munro, quick scene changes keeping the action moving forward, and costumes by Maggie Holtham helped give a 1960s feel.
All in all, the production is a worthy addition to the theatre’s storied history.
The play continues until Saturday.
