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Before the performance starts, spectators are
given hard hats and a map to navigate through the factory's
workshops and on to the theatre's basement.
The audience follows the actors through different locations as
the performance unfolds, watching from different angles.
Rostyslav Derzhypilsky, head of Ivano-Frankivsk drama theatre
and director of 'Romeo and Juliet', gives Shakespeare's story a
modern twist. Instead of the opening scene of a ball at the
Capulet's house, Romeo meets Juliet in a nightclub.
Derzhypilsky said he wanted the performance to have a
'post-apocalyptic' feel.
"This location is extremely difficult. But it perfectly fits to
illustrate the collision of spirituality, faith and the love of
Romeo and Juliet and the world that surrounds them,"
Derzhypilsky told Reuters.
The iconic balcony kiss between Romeo and Juliet takes place in
an industrial watch tower and a fight between Tybalt and
Mercutio erupts inside a massive cage.
Young actor Oleh Panas, who plays Romeo, said he was daunted
when he saw the improvised factory stage for the first time.
"On one hand, the location swallows the actor, it is hard not to
get lost inside this colossal setting," Panas said.
"But on the other hand, (it) adds value to the performance
concept and to the actor's emotions. A cold, massive area,
stairs – all these elements strengthen an actor's feelings."
(Editing by Ros Russell)
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