Preview: Romeo and Juliet, Tobacco Factory

The much-lauded Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory return this spring for their sixteenth season on Raleigh Road – and they’re kicking off with one of Will’s best-known tragedies.

“For me, this has always been a kinetic and muscular play,” enthuses director Polina Kalinina. “It’s full of hormones – and, therefore, of energy, speed and movement, as well as a dash of petulance. It drives through at an incredible pace and you catch intense glimpses of the characters amidst the noise, the fighting and the parties.”

Every spring since 2000, SATTF have taken up residence at the Tobacco Factory with a season consisting of two plays from the Bard’s back catalogue. SATTF have made a name in Bristol and far beyond (reviewers from the national papers always come away deeply impressed) for their intimate, superbly realized interpretations of Shakespeare. Andrew Hilton, the company’s founder and Artistic Director, encourages a heightened sensitivity to the text and some exacting character development among his cast, and each performance is a beautiful, nuanced triumph.

Romeo and Juliet’s images are so iconic – the lovers’ palms touching at the initial meeting, Juliet at her balcony, the doomed couple (played by Paapa Essiedu and Daisy Whalley, pictured) lying dead with their grieving families gathered around – that, says Polina, there’s a danger of seeing the play as merely a series of tableaux.

“There is actually much more to Romeo and Juliet than this selection of chocolate-box imagery. Within it there are huge, important tensions – between independence and tradition, liberty and law – as well as an incredible anarchy at its root.”

Expect plenty of passion and energy from Polina’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s doomed romance. “The youthful defiance at Romeo and Juliet’s core is about enjoying life in the here and now, and there is nothing static about that,” she continues.

“Of course none of these are new ideas, and this is not a revolutionary production set in space or in a doll’s house! I just want the audience to experience the whirlwind feelings of the two leads. It’s a sense of carnival, of being on a merry-go-round that’s gone out of control, leaving you a little nauseous but exhilarated.”

The show also marks SATTF’s first co-production with its host venue. Says Ali Robertson, Director, Tobacco Factory Theatres: “A truly great theatre is all about the consistent production of great theatre. Our vision is to bring world-class directors, actors, and musicians to Tobacco Factory Theatres, as well as to invest in developing the best new talent – the brightest young directors, playwrights and actors – from across the country, and to support and mentor their growth into the next great generation.

“A much closer relationship and co-producing with SATTF is a firm part of this expansion and we look forward with excitement to the next few years.”

Romeo and Juliet Thursday, February 19 to Saturday, April 4, Tobacco Factory Theatre. For more info and to book tickets, visit www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/detail/romeo_and_juliet1

Pic: Mawgan Lewis