Level 2 and 3 Drama students attended a performance of Shakespeare's famous ‘Romeo and Juliet’ at the ASB Waterfront Theatre last week.

If they went in with expectations of what the play might look like, they were most likely surprised and, in most cases, delighted. While the language remained true to Shakespeare's original, this was, in all other regards, a modern interpretation. Rather than being set in Renaissance Verona, this production was set in the grand style of 1960’s Italy. Italian high fashion and sumptuous salons provided a visual feast, in the first half, which concentrated on the themes of love. Some of the characters, too, had been reinvented to be representative of the modern era. Mercutio and Benvolio are in a relationship, as are Paris and Juliet's mother.

The second half concentrated on the theme of death - the set was bleaker, the lighting darker. Students were impressed with the addition of the character of Death, who guides the audience through the quite different acts of the play.

This was a fantastic opportunity for students to experience theatre. They thoroughly enjoyed the production and have the material they need to complete their NCEA assessments.