Romeo and Juliet. Star-crossed lovers. Or so the Year 9 students thought before watching the play as part of Barking Gecko Theatre Company’s ‘Living Lecture’. Led by the artistic director Matt Edgerton, the company of four actors staged a compelling performance on Wednesday 3rd May, giving us a new viewpoint on the characters in this famous plot. There were a few highlights to the show, especially how the students gagged and groaned Romeo and Juliet kissed many times! There were more than a few teachers smirking at that.
The historical context and analysis of the characters’ behaviour provided students with a wealth of interesting information that we had not gathered while reading the script – like the creepiness and obsessive ways of Romeo, not forgetting that he is at least six years older than Juliet! The incursion was worthwhile and most insightful to better understand Shakespearian language and the importance of theatre during Elizabethan times.
Written by Mia Wilkinson (Year 9)