EAST meets west in the Birmingham Stage Company's production of Romeo and Juliet at The Old Rep Theatre.
Juliet and the rest of the Capulet family are all played by Asian actors, while Romeo and the rival Montagues are white.
The two houses have been at war ever since Shakespeare penned this classic tragedy. But this is a unique and interesting way of breathing new life into one of theatre's most bitter rivalries.
Yet it is the rich sounds and colours of Asia which give this production life.
One of the highlights of the play is the dancing at the Capulet's feast, choreographed by Chitraleka Bola, and the Capulet costumes boast the vibrant colours of the Orient.
The Birmingham Stage Company is celebrating its 10th anniversary with this production of Romeo and Juliet. And with 24 actors it is the largest show the company has ever staged.
Oscar Pearce puts in a sterling performance as Romeo, while Juliet is played by Tara Sharma, who is appearing in her debut on the professional stage.
Indira Joshi, who appears in The Kumars at No.42, plays the nurse, while Ian Burford is more than believable as Friar Lawrence.
Acclaimed New York director John Sheehan has brought a fresh and new look to what is probably Shakespeare's most popular and best-loved work.
Romeo and Juliet runs at the Old Rep Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham, until Saturday, October 19. AW
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