Thompson Park, Cardiff
Fri 17 June
Outdoor theatre is always a little bit more magical (even under a slightly grey Welsh sky) but there’s something even more magical about Taking Flight Theatre’s summer show, and their re-imagining of Romeo and Juliet. Set in 1963 against the backdrop of Verona College (and Verona Ladies’ college) the Montagues and Capulets are given a swinging 60s twist, complete with suitably swinging 60s music.
Taking Flight are an inclusive theatre company-in terms of both audience and performers. This means that D/deaf actors are a part of the performance, as well as actors with physical disabilities, and the performance is fully inclusive for the audience with both BSL interpretation and audio description. This isn’t the kind of ‘add on’ inclusivity that audiences might expect, inclusivity is part of the performance. Audio description becomes a narrative device, with Georgain Periam and Ania Davies becoming ensemble characters and very much a part of the narrative while providing audio description. And while BSL interpreter Sami Thorpe provides simultaneous translation for scenes, she too is very much a part of the story. Meanwhile on stage Juliet and her Nurse (Stephanie Back and Roger Hudson) converse in BSL, while her Romeo (William Ross-Fawcett) attempts to learn in order to woo his Juliet. The inclusion of these accessibility elements brings out new elements of this familiar text and breathes new life into the story.
The school and 1960s backdrop makes for a youthful energetic backdrop to the story. Adapted so that music, movement, audio description and sign interpretation mingle seamlessly with Shakespeare’s original text. The adaptation is a credit to director Elise Davison and it is an energetic engaging version of the classic text. The actors embrace their roles with relish, from the comedic turns from Arthur Hughes and Sam Bees as Mercutio and Benvolio (not to mention Hughes’ memorable turn as Lady Capulet) to Paul Henshall being suitably foreboding as Friar Lawrence and Lord Capulet. The ill-fated couple themselves bring a youthful innocence and enthusiasm to the role, and are completely believable as a smitten high school pair.
Added to this the promenade performance around Cardiff’s Thompson’s Park (and a whole range of beautiful backdrops on tour, see www.takingflighttheatre.co.uk for full listings) adds a sense of magic to the evening. The moving from place to place with the action develops an energy and engagement between the actors and audience blurring the lines between performer and audience often, with everyone feeling a part of the story. Even the brief rain showers didn’t dampen spirits and the actors pulled the audience fully into their world.
Romeo and Juliet, re-imagined by Taking Flight theatre is a wonderful introduction to Shakespeare for anyone young and old. The inclusive approach works for all audiences to engage them with the story and Shakespeare’s language. Most importantly Taking Flight are re-imagining both what Shakespeare looks like and what inclusive theatre looks like.
Tickets are available for venues across Wales, touring until August 1st, see here for more.
words EMILY GARSIDE