Romeo and Juliet
Act II scene II
"For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo "
Elizebethan Age
During the time period in which Shakespeare wrote his plays, there was stability throughout Europe. This was due to the leadership of Elizebeth I (who valued learning and literature). Her value system gave Shakespeare's plays the appreciation it rightfully deserved. It is known that Elizebeth "was fond of the theater" (shakespeareinamericancommunities.org) and that she recognized the importance that the many playwrights of her time period offered. Theaters were built around England and attracted many people. Elizebeth's successor, King James I also had an appreciation for literature. Being a writer himself, he allowed the revolutionary era to continue.
The Cast
Romeo Montague
Justin Chambers plays the role of our beloved Romeo. The American actor (and former model) is famous for his role as Alex Karev, on ABC's Greys Anatomy.
Juliet Capulet
Kimberly Alexis Bledell plays the role of out sweetheart Juliet. Her fame comes from her spectacular role as Rory on Gilmore Girls, and from her modeling career
Nurse
Rebel Melanie Elizabeth Wilson plays the role of our gracious Nurse. She is an actress, writer and Standup comedian from Australia and has made appearances on many famous movies and TV shows.
The Theater
Rules of the Theater
1. One must sit throughout the entire play, as leaving in the middle creates a disruption.
2. Throughout the play, every person in the audience must cry at least once.
3. At the end of the play, every person in the audience must clap for the cast for a minimum of thirty seconds.
The Globe Theater
Our play takes place at The Globe Theater. The Globe Theater is one of the four main theaters in the area, and has capacity for 3,000 spectators. Not only does it serve as a theater, but also a brothel and a gambling house when plays are not being put on. Sometimes, as many as eleven plays are put on during a span of just two weeks. The only time that the actors (not actresses) could memorize their lines, was during the play. During a scene that an actor would not be in for, he would learn his lines for the next scene! Sometimes they would even have to resort to "cue acting." Knowing this, the its a wonder that the plays were so popular!
About the Playwright
William Shakespeare
In William Shakespeare's short life of just fifty two years, he managed to become the most famous playwright in history. In twenty three years, he wrote thirty eight plays. This is fascinating to many, because there is no proof that Shakespeare had any formal education past the age of fourteen. For twelve years after he left school, there have been little to no records on the life of Shakespeare. This time period was known as "The Lost Years." Though these years were very quiet, the rest of his life was filled with fame and popularity. Shakespeare's plays made a very significant impact on the world and how it viewed literature as a whole.
Felix Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E Minor. Op. 64 - SHLOMO MINTZ - Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Storyline
The scene begins with Romeo wandering around Juliet's backyard in hopes of seeing her. Luckily for him, she shows up and begins talking to herself. Romeo considers telling Juliet that he is there, but decides to hold off and listen to what she has to say. Juliet asks herself why Romeo has to be a Montague. She wishes that he could "deny thy father, refuse thy name" and just love her unconditionally. When Romeo cannot resist any longer, he calls out and surprises Juliet. Juliet becomes embarrassed but then realizes that it was Romeo, and quickly gets over her embarrassment. Romeo and Juliet have a very romantic conversation, and it ends with Juliet indirectly asking Romeo to marry her the following day. They agree on a way to keep in contact, and (slowly) bid their goodbyes.