Don’t have time to read the full review? Click here for a quick summary of the who, what, where and wine of this production.
A chaotic, absurd and genuinely joyful manipulation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet which highlights current-day arts underappreciation and funding.
Two amateur actors and their stage manager need to step in when their production of Romeo & Juliet falls apart due to funding cuts across the arts sector. As they race across the stage, forget their cues, and the jaded Juliet quits and rejoins the show due to the sexist overtones of Shakespeare’s writing in live time, the performers must come together to resolve their offstage drama and present the play their sponsor wants to see so they can maybe get paid just enough to do it all again.
Absolute commitment to the bit is how director Eezu Tan approaches this part-farce-part-political metatheatrical production, i.e., a production in which the putting on of a performance forms part of the plot. Costumes fly through the air, extreme-budget props (an air mattress for the Capulet family crypt anyone?) are haphazardly arranged and rearranged, all with the background noise of the performers squabbling with each other as they transform into almost 20 characters. It’s ridiculous and fun, and complements the larger story the cast is seeking to tell; that too often, they and their colleagues perform stories or perform without key resources like casts, costuming and set design, due to a lack of diverse funding channels in Australia’s arts sector.
Producer, performer and director Jack Calver is clearly at home in this world of absurdism; the more extra the costume, the happier he is. Elodie Westhoff as stage manager and consummate idealist is a hilarious and endearing bundle of stress, and Alyssa Peters as Juliet brings the anger and snark at the story, the industry issues, and her fellow performers that drive the story home.
Find more details on the show here.
Prosecco | Wine Pairing
It’s budget-friendly, bubbly and delicious, proving something doesn’t have to be expensive to make for a great night out.
My Pick: De Bortoli Prosecco, King Valley, VIC
A bright, refreshing drop worthy of whatever glass you have, be it plastic, glass or crystal. Mix it with Aperol, add strawberries or another liqueur of your choosing to transform it before your eyes.
Unfair Verona, Glassroom Theatre Co | Tasting Notes
| Aussie Season | 20 to 22 July 2023, Sydney Dance Company. Produced by Glassroom Theatre Co. |
| Devised by | Jack Calver, Alyssa Peters & Elodie Westhoff |
| Director | Eezu Tan |
| Theatre Type & Genre | Play, absurdist |
| See it if you like | stories that poke fun at Shakespeare |
| Wine Pairing | Prosecco |
| Criteria for Wine Pairing | Champagne taste on a beer budget |
Toasting Aussie Theatre 