There have, of course, been countless adaptations of Romeo and Juliet around the world. Earlier this week I was fortunate to witness one in the outdoor Vysehrad Theatre in Prague. Set amongst the ruins of the historical Vysehrad Citadel, the experience was nothing short of magical. Once a church and fortified trading post, Prague's 'second castle' was built in the 10th Century by Bohemian Prince Vratislav II. Located on a cliff overlooking the Vlatva River, the newly created area spawned much development and served as the Premyslid Princes' main residence through to the 12th Century.
Presented in English as part of The 'Prague Shakespeare Festival', the play was performed on a simplistically-decorated wooden stage. An intimately-sized audience sat tiered above the stage on wooden seating. It was a beautiful location, set within the confines of weathered fortress walls. From where I sat, leafy green trees and the tops of buildings from 'The City of 100 Spires' pierced the skyline. In the distance, sirens and church chimes periodically went off and nearby trains rumbled by, adding to the overall rustic feel.
Without a doubt though the most effective element was the lighting, which mirrored the dramatics of the play. When the production began, the stage was bathed in a clear Spring sunlight. But as the drama intensified so too did the nightfall, gradually turning from a pale orange to pink, pale purple to dark. During the pivotal final scenes of the play I found myself almost holding my breath as I watched on - the actors and actresses softly lit by the lights which were strategically placed below them.
And a rather impressive cast they were, ranging in age and experience. Although staying largely true to the script, the production occasionally incorporated it's own modern, slightly 'gangster' lingo. For me it was the Nurse (Juliet's mentor and friend), played by David Fisher, who really stole the show with his hilarious 'voluptuous female' get-up and over-the-top but endearing antics.
The play also made excellent use of its surroundings, with cast members often running amongst the audience and entering from both above and below. The citadel walls were also used effectively, particularly for the famous 'balcony scene' and for when Juliet and later Romeo stood atop them, representing their passing from life to death.
Overall I found the production to be entertaining, fresh and modern and really enjoyed re-experiencing all the passion, conflict and tragedy that is Romeo and Juliet.
Below I have included some photos from the production, as well as some information and photos of the Vysehrad citadel and surrounding area.
Australian in Prague
Vysehrad Outdoor Theatre
Juliet and the show-stealing Nurse
Final dramatic scenes
19th Century Church of SS Peter & Paul, whose two dominant spires can be seen from all around Prague.
Neighbouring cemetery, home to Czech notables such as Painter Alfons Mucha, writers Jan Neruda and Karel Capek and composers Antonin Dvorak and Bedrich Smetana.
Vysehrad garden statues depicting figures of Czech Mythology.
Rotunda of St Martin, dating from the 11th Century.
Vysehrad Citadel ruins with the Church of SS Peter & Paul in the background.
Located above the Vltava River, Vysehrad offers great views of Prague.
