Essay On Dacosta In William Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

The beauty of Whitley’s play is deeply connected to its stark minimalism. In removing the typical decadence associated with productions of Shakespeare all distraction is abolished. The story unfolds as it has before, a passionate romance between two young lovers from feuding families that culminates in their untimely demise, but it is reduced to the bare bones of its emotional impact in this production. What seems simple on the surface is in fact a smart reconfiguring of the play that captures the audience completely.

When I arrived at The Gladstone on Wednesday, October 6th for the opening of Romeo and Juliet Redux I was unsure of what to expect. Upon entering the building audience members will be struck by the intimacy of what appears to be a grand
Fully aware of the impassioned impulsivity deep within his character, daCosta was a believable representation of a lustful encounter believed in the mind of an inexperienced youth to be love. Similarly, Teshome in the role of Juliet focused on the emotional turmoil represented in Juliet without seeming disingenuous as I often find productions of Romeo and Juliet to be. Teshome is also one of the refreshing strands of modernity working within the play, partnering the classical text with a few modern phrases and tones of voice. Together, daCosta and Teshome create a sincere lustful partnership filled with passion and pain that ties the play
The minimalism gives way for a harrowing guttural immersion and catches all that watch it in the powerful and pleasantly suffocating rendition of the classic play. For those looking for Shakespeare done as something a little different, I would highly recommend Whiteley’s Romeo and Juliet