Symbolism In Romeo And Juliet

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet has been adapted into a physical theatre production by theatre company Zen Zen Zo. In this production, the director and actors have effectively utilised the elements of drama, particularly the element of symbolism, the physical theatre convention of song and music and the cultural context of the performance to create dramatic meaning, and a performance that is relevant in our society today.

In order to establish dramatic meaning and maintain relevance to teenagers, the dramatic element of symbolism was effectively featured in the performance by the director and actors. One example of this is when the actors are reciting the section of the Prologue that says, “A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life.” while …show more content…
Furthermore, this was used to demonstrate the comparison of taking drugs and being in love – both can give a brief moment of euphoria and happiness, but ultimately (like Romeo and Juliet’s love), it has the potential to wreak destruction on the “star-crossed lovers” and possibly their families. As these are both relevant topics in society, the director and actors have been able to effectively portray the symbolism to the audience to develop dramatic meaning. Symbolism is also portrayed when Romeo and Juliet first meet. The actors’ symbolism incorporated in the portrayal of Romeo and Juliet’s relationship is realistic, and in turn, allowed the audience to relate to the characters, as they themselves may be developing romantic relationships. This is demonstrated by the actors moving their hands up each other’s arms, which symbolises the caution and nervousness that they feel about admitting their attraction towards …show more content…
For example, when Romeo and Juliet are on stage together for the first time dancing, the music rises to a crescendo to portray the heightening of suspense for the moment when the destined lovers will inevitably see each other. Also, when Romeo and Juliet finally do see each other and they stop dancing, the music reaches the climax and suddenly stops, which expresses how everything around them stops, and they only focus on seeing each other. The director’s choice of music in this section was beneficial as it was used to establish the idea of “love at first sight”, and the instant and powerful attraction that exists between Romeo and Juliet. This allows the audience to comprehend the powerful and all-consuming relationship evolving between Romeo and Juliet, even from this first meeting, the emotions that they are feeling, and the lengths that Romeo and Juliet go to in order to pursue their love. The cultural context of the play further demonstrates dramatic meaning that is can be easily understood by the