Postcards From: Romeo & Juliet

Theatre, Outdoor

Our Postcards From feature is an ongoing series bringing you memories from Brighton Festival, so you can get a glimpse into all the exciting things that are happening around the city this month.

Windmill Young Actors brought their 60-strong ensemble to Hollingdean Skatepark on 21-22 May to showcase their contemporary take on Romeo & Juliet. The play was directed by our In-House Artist Tanushka Marah, and featured a cast made up entirely of young people.

Photography by Chloe Hashemi

The production had audiences immersed in the graffiti and ramps of the skatepark for a version of Romeo & Juliet that used an outdoor setting to tell the tragic story.

The costume, music and production teams for Romeo & Juliet were also made up of young people ranging from age 17-20.

Performers ranged from ages 14-25, including actors, dancers, singers and spoken word poets.

The play featured Brighton-based dance company, Project Female, who brought hip-hop fusion choreography to the production.

Director Tanushka Marah used the outdoor space in innovative ways, making use of playground equipment for Juliet's balcony.

'I was walking past The Level skatepark in Brighton, and I saw groups of young people facing each other. I immediately thought of the Montagues and Capulets.' - Tanushka Marah, director.

The production featured colourful smoke flares and contemporary costume for a modern take on the classic Shakespeare play.

'I hope audiences will be blown away by the young talent and realise that their age is irrelevant.' - Tanushka Marah, director

Windmill Young Actors is an award-winning youth ensemble. 

Read our recent Behind the Scenes blog with Romeo & Juliet director, Tanushka Marah, here.

Photography by Chloe Hashemi.