LIPA presents Romeo and Juliet with a twist

Shakespeare appears in one of his own plays in a new adaptation being staged by LIPA students this week.

The Bard will be part of the production of Romeo and Juliet which focusses on the young Juliet Capulet’s dark side.

The show, which runs at the Paul McCartney Auditorium at LIPA from February 21-23, is being presented by final year dance students in a version of the classic love story inspired by Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 film which starred Leonardo Di Caprio and Claire Danes.

In LIPA’s Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare appears as an isolated figure living vicariously through his characters.

Deavion Brown, who is playing the playwright, explains: “Some interpretations of a couple of his sonnets suggest an affair outside his marriage and that it could have been with a man. We’ve taken that idea and run with it.

“He feels he has to hide that part of himself and can’t really express who he is. Instead he writes these characters, this story of escape and immerses himself in this world where he’s trying to be honest about himself through his work.”

The production will showcase a range of dance styles from contemporary and hip hop to ballet and tap.

Romeo and Juliet is at the Paul McCartney Auditorium from February 21-23. Tickets HERE