Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
27 April – 14 May
****
With a prologue that takes place in the foyer (arrive early), Romeo & Juliet, by Omidaze quickly placesthe audience in a chaotic world of civil disorder and confusion. The choreography, sound, and video projection are well crafted and compels you to follow the action without direction. Swept up in this multi-media preamble are the ‘unknowing’ audience members for two other shows, reinforcing the sense of ‘us and them’ at the heart of Shakespeare’s narrative.
Our transition into the theatre (unseated, with the set located throughout the space) feels like a lull in the action, but one no different from the culmination of a public rally or march. While the audience reassembles, the cast of six performers silently establish the core conventions of this multi-role production. We are also able to take in the aerial hoops, ropes, silks, and straps, that much of the action will take place on.
From the outset it is clear this is a cast of diverse talents, the performers are articulate, engaging, and generous with the audience. Gemma Creasy and Hannah O’Leary take responsibility for the aerial work, shifting between roles and equipment with ease. Aamira Challenger, and Connor Allen play a compelling Juliet & Romeo; the balcony scene was fresh, moving, playful, and a highlight of the performance. Salim Sai, and Kayed Mohammed Mason also take on multiple roles with Mason playing the nurse with clarity and depth.
The casting is gender and ethnicity ‘blind’ demonstrating ‘traditional’ casting is not required to make compelling Shakespeare. Yvonne Murphy’s direction and script editing gives us a tight, driving narrative that does not pause for an interval with excellent work from Vocal and text coach Jacqui Crago.
Although the movement direction, and circus choreography do not always feel integrated into the production, the use of silks for Lady Capulet, and the image of a rope for Friar Lawrence are strong images. Overall this is an adventurous and engaging production, and a great introduction to Shakespeare for anyone who dislikes the idea of traditional staging.
words GUNDIJA ZANDERSONA