The concept behind Romeo n Juliet Unplugged – an uncluttered, edgy, funky version of Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy aimed at Grade 12 learners – is certainly worthy. The dependable Robin Malan has prescribed an excellent, fast-paced abridgement of the full play. Some members of the cast, such as Pakamisa Zwedala and Lungi Phinda, are usually quality players. But this is an excruciating 80 minutes in the theatre.
The performances in the Romeo and Juliet roles are so amateur as to be dismissible. One is tempted to chime in with Juliet during one of her merciless screams: “past hope, past cure, past help!” Each member of the ensemble plays numerous parts, with minor costume and changes in accent, though unless the pupils know the play well, they may find these rapid shifts baffling.
There are a few provocative directorial touches. The warring Capulet and Montague families wear black and white versions of COPE and ANC insignias, but it is hard to see how this production will achieve its objective in proselytizing Shakespeare.
