Romeo and Juliet Reimagined as a Near-Future Nuclear-Disaster Dystopia
Creatrip Team
4 months ago
A new stage adaptation transposes Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to a near-future nuclear disaster dystopia, where the ancient city of Verona lies in ruins after a decommissioned nuclear plant catastrophe. The play centers on Juliet, reinterpreted not merely as a forbidden-lover but as a woman reclaiming her sense of self amid an oppressive, rumor-filled society. She meets Romeo in a movie theater and their intense attraction sparks a journey of existential recovery rather than just transgressive romance. Shakespearean sonnets are woven directly into the dialogue to create poetic contrast with the devastated cityscape.
The script is by Kim Joo-hee, winner of the 2024 National Theater script competition, produced by Just Kids Studio and directed by Ye Ran-hee. Shin Yoon-ji, known for strong female roles in productions like Dobby Wala and Curtain, plays Juliet; Lee Joo-won, currently touring internationally with The Cherry Orchard at LG Arts Center, plays Romeo. A nine-member ensemble portrays Verona’s citizens and new character groups. Set design by award-winning Kim Hye-ji uses the theater’s cylindrical architecture to expand the post-nuclear urban landscape; music by composer Chae Seok-jin adds delicate emotional textures over the ruins. Runs at Mia-rigogae Arts Theater in Seoul, Dec 12–21. (Mia-rigogae: a neighborhood/area name in Seoul)
