On Friday, 23rd August, at 2:50 pm, the play In Fair Verona was performed at the Aula Magna of Goethe Schule. The production, lasting approximately 75 minutes, was an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, created by the theater company “On the Road,” which specializes in performing in high schools.

The cast consisted of five actors, three men and two women, each taking on one or two roles from the original story. For those unfamiliar with Romeo and Juliet or those watching the play without prior knowledge, the plot may have been difficult to follow, especially since the ending was slightly changed. On the positive side, the use of contemporary vocabulary, such as “thus” and “thy,” was inspired by Early Modern English, which added some authenticity to the dialogue. It’s worth mentioning that the actors’ costumes were quite creative, though slightly inspired by the original concept of Romeo and Juliet. Whereas the background was very simple and plain, the props used were very innovative. While traditional items like swords and daggers were featured, the letter Romeo writes to Juliet was modernized, not handwritten as in the original, but sent as an online message via smartphone.

What are your thoughts on modern adaptations of classic plays? Do you think they add value or distract from the original?

Thank you «On the Road» company for making us part of this unique experience.

Tadeo P. (5° año B de Secundaria)