Clashes in the streets, people yearning for connection but being kept apart, a citywide plague…Shakespeare’s 400-year-old tale feels as timely as ever, and even more so when told through the eyes of A.B.L.E.’s ensembles.
Romeo & Juliet Remix was a one-of-a-kind movie filmed entirely on Zoom, featuring an ensemble cast of 38 actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each actor took on one specific moment in this classic story of love and hate. Actors shared roles with 9 different Romeos, 11 different Juliets, 3 Tybalts, and many other citizens of Verona.
Romeo & Juliet Remix wove Shakespeare’s words with original monologues, scenes, songs, and dances developed by the cast. Some of the original pieces included a monologue from the perspective of Juliet’s suitor, Paris, devised and performed by actor Martin Conway, original songs by Christian Boyd and Emmett Fox, and a dance piece by actors Sandia Coleman and Marissa Bloodgood inspired by the imagery of “the nightingale” and “the lark” in the lovers’ final goodbye.
Learn more in our digital program.
Audience Advisory: Romeo & Juliet Remix includes violence, murder, suicide, sexual situations…and a lot of dancing.
Runtime: Romeo & Juliet Remix is one hour and twenty-one minutes (1:21:00) including credits.
Behind the Scenes
Romeo & Juliet Remix was partially supported by: Illinois Arts Council Agency, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, and DCASE.
