Matthew Bourne, renowned choreographer and director, known for his innovative and contemporary styled dance pieces, brought this Shakespearian tragedy alive in the Mayflower Theatre tonight. The story was retold from a mental institution in Verona in which the boys and girls are separated by a harsh regime. The prison guard, representing Tybalt, played by Danny Reubens, presides over the incarcerated youths, sexually assaulting Juliet, Seren Williams, and posing a constant threat. Bourne alters the ending, reverting from the somewhat predictable Shakespearian classic, creating a dramatic and elevated romantic twist which left me in tears.
The set, representing a mental institution, consisted of high cage-like walls. Further forward, a tile structure represented the hospital. It had 3 main entrances, for girls, boys and a central door. This created a dynamic flow of performance and allowed separation between the girls and the boys, an important element of the show. The central door was used mainly by the prison guard building tension, particularly in the rape scene in which he carries Juliet through the opening slamming the door shut leaving the image of her hands grabbing in desperation against the glass: Romeo trapped on the opposite side.
The chorus of dancers were stunning. Dancing in mainly contemporary style, surprisingly there was not a ballet shoe in sight. The formations of the dancers were fascinating, moving in and out of each other like liquid and then coming together in perfect synchronisation. The dancers were all dressed in white for the majority of the performance which reinforced the institutionalised state and allowed uniformity. One scene which for me was particularly memorable was a scene in which Romeo and Juliet are separated in their bedrooms at the opening of act 3. This was technically perfect with each group moving seamlessly creating two bedrooms with no set changes. The girls and boys weaved up and down without almost realising. Jana Baldovino was a dancer who particularly stood out. Her characterisation was genius and her commitment to the role unwavering. I was drawn to her constantly.
Mercutio and Balthasar played a very impressive duo creating a beautiful connection through movement. Romeo and Juliet’s duet were also impressive, capturing their giddy excitement and teenage lust. The use of fake blood was also highly successful connecting the two lovers through blood in the final scene. The blood stains on the white clothing illustrated their deeply emotional relationship. Their dancing was passionate and romantic, moving together with constant touch like ribbon. Bourne captured Shakespeare’s narrative exactly in theses scenes.
The lighting was stark, using white flood lights washing out the stage creating a clinical atmosphere. The stage felt bare thus making Romeo and Juliet’s love the focus of the stage always. There were also lights from behind the three entrances which created intense shadows. This was particularly effective in the final scene in which Romeo and Juliet are both dead and the chorus of youths carry them to a bed, intertwining them.
Conclusively, this was the best staged ballet I have ever seen and one of the best Shakespeare interpretations! I absolutely loved Matthew Bourne’s style of choreography and direction and would be happy to see this show again and again! Wow!
Reviewer - Grace McNicholas
on - 25/9/19
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