Immersive Theatre Production | 2016

“Weaving through DUCTAC’s corridors, back stage areas, loading bays, and even the roof of Mall of the Emirates, with a cast comprised of international and locally based-actors, … this event was not typical or traditional by any measure.” – The Camel Stub

Shakespeare’s best-known warring families have been given a modern twist – the Montagues are Indian while the Capulets are westerners – referencing two of the biggest expatriate groups in the UAE.

Set in Dubai, Romeo+Juliet is UAE’s first immersive interactive promenade production produced and directed by Constellation Dubai as part of The British Council’s globe Shakespeare Lives project marking Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary.

In this adaptation of the tragedy, the basic story and Shakespearean dialogue remain untouched; the big conflict is the interracial love affair between Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet.

“I played Lady Montague in this immersive and twisted adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic. In the original play, her part is minuscule but in this version, you get to know her quite intimately. The stereotypical Indian mother, caring and gentle, she always has a cup of chai and free advice to offer. Sometimes you bump into her frantically searching for her son (Romeo) and in the end you see her die of a broken heart. Immersive theatre can be a genuine and moving experience both for the actor and the audience. I have had audience members console my character and wipe away her tears; some even paid respect to her dead body. Of course there were those who took selfies as well!”