Fast and Funny 'Romeo and Juliet' as Shakespearefabriken Celebrates 30 Years

Shakespearefabriken in Vadstena marks its 30th anniversary by revisiting "Romeo and Juliet," the play that inaugurated the theater. This production, now staged for the third time, aims to mirror contemporary society.

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It is a tight, fast-paced and often funny performance.

Directed by Fanny Lindstedt Grahn, known from the independent group Hjärter Fem, and Pontus Plænge, Shakespearefabriken's artistic director, the play presents a modern take on the Verona setting. Romeo, played by John Grahl, attends a masked ball in a scooter helmet and falls for Julia, portrayed by Astrid Tägt, who sports yellow tights. The narrative quickly unfolds from this initial encounter.

The production is described as tight, fast-paced, and frequently humorous. Oscar Brunius's costume design, particularly Capulet's red and yellow ball attire, is highlighted as incredible. However, the staging encounters issues, partly due to a generational gap among the actors and partly due to directorial choices. While the older actors confidently vary their expressions and engage the audience, the younger cast members are excessively energetic, delivering lines rapidly, shouting, and running across the stage. This intensity, intended to heighten emotional impact, has the opposite effect, making it difficult to escalate the tragedy towards its crescendo.

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The younger actors are incomprehensibly hyped up.

When the frenetic energy subsides, Astrid Tägt shines as the unfortunate Julia. Her portrayal of despair as she contemplates drinking the sleeping potion to reunite with her love is convincing, and her crying scenes are handled with grace. Nevertheless, the love pair does not solely carry the performance. The rest of the ensemble performs better, with Pontus Plænge delivering a fine performance as the vain Capulet, whose character is filled with vanity and well-measured moments.

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When the frenzy is toned down, Astrid Tägt shines.