Miss this production of Romeo and Juliet at your peril—it’s a bold reimagining that blends Shakespeare’s timeless tale with a modern twist, and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. But here’s where it gets controversial: Director Steffan Donnelly and Theatr Cymru have taken the Bard’s classic and woven it together with J.T. Jones’ Welsh translation, creating a bilingual spectacle that sparks both admiration and debate. Actors seamlessly switch between English and Welsh, but for non-Welsh speakers, there’s a catch—an app provides live translations, though it means glancing down at your device instead of fully immersing yourself in the actors’ expressions and movements. And this is the part most people miss: those facial cues and gestures are so masterfully executed that even without the app, the emotional narrative shines through.
The production wastes no time diving into the tension. From the opening lines, a linguistic battle erupts: the Capulets favor English, while the Montagues lean into Welsh. This language divide mirrors the families’ feud, setting the stage for a riveting conflict. But here’s the twist: despite this initial setup, nearly all characters understand or speak Welsh, blurring the linguistic divide. This choice reflects the reality of Wales, where the language coexists with English, but it also raises questions—does this undercut the tension it aims to build? The interplay between the two languages is stunning, yet it feels underutilized, with most scenes favoring one language over the other. As a result, the linguistic tension, while promising, doesn’t fully carry through the production.
What truly shines, however, is the cast. Steffan Cennydd and Isabella Colby Browne deliver a refreshingly youthful Romeo and Juliet, capturing their teenage angst, passion, and naivety with remarkable authenticity. Their chemistry is electric, whether they’re giggling with newfound love or grappling with heartbreak. Supporting characters like the Nurse (Llinor ap Gwynedd) and Friar Lawrence (Eiry Thomas) often feel more like surrogate parents, soothing the lovers’ dramatic outbursts rather than fueling their familial conflicts. And this is the part most people miss: the production’s second love story—its deep affection for Welsh culture. From folk music to traditions, it celebrates Wales as much as it does Shakespeare.
Steffan Donnelly’s staging adds depth, often splitting scenes between the main stage and alcoves, allowing characters to silently react while others speak. This technique amplifies the emotional stakes, as seen in a heart-wrenching moment when Romeo sits in an alcove, processing grief, while Juliet learns of her cousin’s death. Welsh folk music and traditions underscore pivotal moments, blending seamlessly with Shakespeare’s narrative.
But here’s the question that lingers: Does this production’s bilingual approach enhance the story, or does it distract from the timeless tragedy? Is the celebration of Welsh culture a bold statement or a missed opportunity to deepen the conflict? Let us know in the comments—this is one production that demands discussion.
Running until 8 November 2025 and continuing its tour, this Romeo a Juliet is a must-see for Shakespeare enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. The Reviews Hub Star Rating: 80%—Peidiwch â methu (Don’t miss it).
