In December, Making A Scene Productions presented a contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' with 'Wherefore Art Thou Romeo?' at BackDock Arts in Fortitude Valley. This version downplayed the age-old family feud to focus on the rapid and intense romance between the star-crossed lovers. Notably, this adaptation reimagined Romeo and Juliet as a queer love story, with both roles portrayed by women. They chose to retain Shakespeare’s original language (except for Romeo's pronouns) but trimmed the script down significantly; preserving the poetic essence while ensuring understanding through acting choices, emotion, and stage direction. Director Jack Winrow mentioned to me that nearly half of the play was cut, streamlining the narrative for modern audiences (and we’re grateful for that!). Co-directed by Brianna Wilkie, with sound design by Andrew Oxford and lighting design by John Roze, this production provided a captivating spin on the classic tragedy.
Monica Behrenbruch took on the role of Romeo, while Rutika Nagarkar played Juliet. Their on-stage chemistry was undeniable, bringing an authentic passion to the romance. As the audience entered, Behrenbruch’s Romeo was already on stage, brooding over a breakup like a true drama queen, instantly pulling us into her world of love woes. A particularly memorable scene occurred when Romeo recounts the dream where Juliet kisses Romeo back to life, which then transitions into the poignant moment where Romeo learns of Juliet’s tragic fate. Behrenbruch acted with a palpable intensity that captured the unbearable pain of loss and the futility of her existence without her beloved, spiralling into the unhinged determination to take her own life.
Nagarkar’s Juliet made an immediate impression with her excellent projection, a crucial skill when you're shouting sweet nothings in Shakespearean style. She embodied the whirlwind excitement and impatience of a teenager in love, making her portrayal feel both age-appropriate for the character and deeply relatable to anyone who has ever experienced the intensity of first love. The famous balcony scene was beautifully executed, with a striking use of backlighting enhancing the romantic atmosphere.
One of the show-stealers was Azz Buckley-Oldfield as Mercutio, delivering scenes with charisma and theatrical flair. Their interpretation was packed with wit and energy to make Mercutio the life of the party. In contrast, Matthew Ianna’s portrayal of Tybalt served as the perfect foil to Mercutio’s vivacity. Their interactions crackled with tension, and the fight scene was impressively choreographed. The intensity of Mercutio’s death scene was palpable—so much so that some of their dying lines were lost in the dramatic weight of the moment. However, it was Behrenbruch's raw grief that followed that made the loss feel even more profound. The audience could practically feel Romeo's heartbreak as Mercutio succumbed to their injuries; a profound turning point that shifted the tone of the play entirely.
Ally Wilson brought unexpected humour to Friar Laurence, especially in the scene where Romeo, overwhelmed by banishment, spiralled into a dramatic panic attack. Wilson's comedic timing and expressive reactions offered a refreshing counterbalance to Romeo's intense emotional turmoil. As Romeo flailed about in her emotional chaos, Wilson’s depiction of Friar Laurence as a somewhat bewildered yet well-intentioned character invited the audience to find humour amid the tragedy.
Joel Dow perfectly captured Paris's exaggerated arrogance, highlighting Juliet's increasing discomfort as Paris persistently pursued her, oblivious to her disinterest. Edwina Saunders as Rosaline added an intriguing layer to the story. Her two-faced nature was played to perfection, making her later grief over Juliet’s death(s) feel surprisingly real, despite her earlier behaviour. Isabella Kirkwood was remarkable, having to step into the role of Lady Capulet faster than you can say "the show must go on." With only a few days to prepare, and occasionally sneaking peeks at the script, she gave a commanding performance as Juliet’s overbearing mother, handling Shakespeare’s tongue-twisting language with incredible assurance. The confrontation between Juliet and Capulet was a standout moment, showcasing the intense emotions between the two characters in a gripping scene.
The show featured strong blocking and effective use of space, ensuring that the action remained visually engaging throughout. The modernisation of the setting was reinforced through costume and music choices. The characters were dressed in casual wear that fit the contemporary aesthetic, which helped bridge the gap between the classic narrative and modern sensibilities, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a more personal level. While most of the pacing was tight and well-executed, one scene felt overly drawn out—the prolonged grief shared between Capulet and Rosaline over Juliet’s body. The emotional sorrow of the scene was palpable, but its length diminished its impact as it seemed to linger for an extended period, causing a noticeable shift in the audience's engagement. The use of fake blood in the final scene was both shocking and effective. The visceral imagery of the blood made the consequences of the characters' actions starkly clear to the audience.
The cast delivered an incredible performance, especially considering how many scenes required solo work, demanding immense emotional depth from the actors. 'Wherefore Art Thou Romeo?' was a fresh, heartfelt, and beautifully modernised adaptation of 'Romeo and Juliet', demonstrating that Shakespeare’s themes of love and loss remain just as impactful today.
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