Rachael Bellis’ innovative online production of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, is a triumph of creativity in the face of adversity. The Worldwide Shakespeare Company put on a live-streamed production as a different way of experiencing live theater. This outstanding performance featured actors from across Europe and reimagined Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy in a virtual world.
Sarah Cabrera as Lady Capulet and the Apothecary was simply outstanding, showing her range and depth as a performer. Cabrera lent an air of gravitas and complexity to Lady Capulet–a balance of vulnerable mother and cold, rigid woman ensconced within the roles society has dictated for her. Her nuanced delivery of Lady Capulet’s heartbreak over Juliet’s fate added poignancy to the production.
Similarly nimble in the role of the Apothecary was Cabrera, conveying desperation and moral dilemma in equal measure for a character whose intervention is crucial to the unfolding tragedy. This also showed her ability to create personas within one performance–a trait enviable for such a medium.
The production was bold in its reimagination. Bellis’s direction turned the limitations of virtual performance into features. Placing the action within the confines of the virtual world raised the timeless Shakespearean tale to a modern-day thrill ride. This creative world raised the stakes while presenting a new take on loyalty, identity, and consequence themes.
The performances all around were solid, with Ellie Gill as Juliet and Fergus Rattigan as Romeo bringing real youthful passion and despair to the two star-crossed lovers. Arden Fitzroy’s Mercutio was full of life and fire, imbuing the show with much energy and wit. Liz Felton’s Nurse provided instances of humor and warmth, tempering the overall darkness of the story.
But Cabrera was a bright spot. She took to the peculiar demands of virtual theater like a fish to water and proved herself an actor and a storyteller. Her performances gave weight and richness to the narrative, lending emotional truth to fantastical conceits.
For those who watched it live, it was a call that art has the power to unite and move even in a digital setting. The great performances by Sarah Cabrera will no doubt remain in the high moments of every audience and be proof of her outstanding artistic talent. Finally, a huge bravo goes to the rest of the cast. Every single one of them delivered on their roles excellently.
