Theatre News Wire

Launching its 19th season, Shattered Globe Theatre will present DOWN & DIRTY ROMEO & JULIET, opening at its first location, The Globe Pub, 1934 W. Irving Park Road in Chicago on April 14th at 7:00 p.m. The interactive play will move venues throughout its run. Audiences may find themselves moving around a park, around a large building or from venue to venue. The production doesn't have a set, stage, or costumes either, but it does include 14 actors who have memorized rehearsed multiple roles and a chance for the audience and actors to interact.

All of the actors have rehearsed their roles and know their lines-but who will get to play the part? Actors are introduced to the audience at the beginning of DOWN & DIRTY ROMEO & JULIET. The audience then votes in order to decide who plays which character. It is highly interactive with the actors working amidst 30-40 audience members, directly addressing them throughout the play.

This is Romeo and Juliet as you like it. Highly accomplished and rehearsed actors will encourage spontaneity and irreverence during the performance. Audience members are encouraged to bring different props to the performance that the actors can use. Some members may even be chosen to play smaller roles, guided by actors, and reading from prompt cards. Everyone will be encouraged to participate in parts of better known speeches.

Since there is no set location for DOWN & DIRTY ROMEO & JULIET, the performance can take place in a single venue or multiple venues. The performance may also move from location to location, with the audience guided by actors and guides through a pre-determined route to a location previously surveyed by members of the SGT team. The audience will be encouraged to purchase & consume beverages and food at the first and last venue.

So far, the play will be at the Chicago French Market, 131 North Clinton Street, on April 16th at 4:00 p.m., Schubas Tavern & Harmony Grill, 3159 N. Southport Avenue, on April 18th and 26th at 7:30 p.m., and at the Mystic Celt, 3443 North Southport Avenue, on April 21st at 7:00 p.m. Other schedule and location details can be found on the Shattered Globe Theatre's website. Tickets are available in advance online at the Shattered Globe Theatre's website and at the door before each performance. This production is based on The Factory Hamlet, and idea devised and developed by the Factory Theatre, London.