Romeo and Juliet

In Romeo and Juliet, on of William Shakespeare's plays, Shakespeare creates a violent world, in which two young people fall in love. It is not simply that their families disapprove; the Montagues and the Capulets are engaged in a blood feud.

In this death-filled setting, the movement from love at first sight to the lovers' final union in death seems almost inevitable. And yet, this play set in an extraordinary world has become the quintessential story of young love. In part because of its exquisite language, it is easy to respond as if it were about all young lovers.

Scholars generally date the writing of Romeo and Juliet to 1595-96. Sources include Arthur Brooke's Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet. A version was published as a quarto in 1596; a fuller text appeared as a quarto in 1599.^[1]

Productions at the Folger

Romeo and Juliet (Folger Theatre, 2013)

Helen Hayes Awards

Nominations: "Outstanding Resident Play", "Outstanding Director, Resident Play" for Aaron Posner, "Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play", for Erin Weaver, "Outstanding Supporting Actress, Resident Play", for Sherri L. Edelen, and "Outstanding Sound Design, Resident Production" for Christopher Baine and Carla Kihlstedt

Helen Hayes Awards

Wins: and Scott Burgess, the production's sound designer, each won a Helen Hayes Award, for "Outstanding Director, Resident Play" for Joe Banno, "Outstanding Lead Actress, Residential Play" for Holly Twyford, and "Outstanding Sound Design, Resident Production" for Scott Burgess

Nominations: "Outstanding Resident Play"