This production is affected by Birmingham Hippodrome’s temporary closure. The performances due to take place on Wed 17 March 2021 have been rescheduled to Wed 8 September 2021. Ticket holders for the original dates have been contacted. 

Rosie Kay Dance Company
In association with Birmingham Hippodrome

A new re-imagining of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy sets the action in the hot Birmingham summer of 2021. In this diverse city, young people’s family loyalties give way to gang allegiance as teenagers play with adult rules. A party in the park gets out of control sparking rumours, rioting and revenge. In the midst of rivalries, first tastes of freedom and sparks of a full-on first love ignite. Two young lovers are led to their tragic deaths by events they can’t control.

The 75-minute performance is set to Birmingham-based composer Annie Mahtani’s soundtrack which blends Berlioz’ classical ‘Roméo et Juliette’ score with her original electro-acoustic composition.

The Research
Romeo + Juliet is created collaboratively by Rosie Kay and the original cast of nine dancer-choreographers skilled in contemporary, street and Indian classical dance styles. Performed by the original cast: Mayowa Ogunnaike (Juliet), Subhash Viman Gorania (Romeo), David Devyne (Tybalt), Deepraj Singh (Merc), Iona McGuire (Angel), Harry Ondrak-Wright (LJ), Dan Baines (Paris), Ayesha Fazal (Rosa) and Patrick Webster (Ben).

Artistic Advisors include actor and director Dylan Duffus, headteacher Azita Zohhadi, Dance Artist Shanelle Clemenson and fellow Hippodrome Associates and choreographers Aakash Odedra and Sonia Sabri. In the making since 2015, Rosie’s inspiration was fuelled by seventeen years of living and working with the city’s communities. She also researched with pupils of Birmingham’s Nelson Mandela School, families and young people affected by crime and South Asian choreographers.

Rehearsals are currently operating with social distancing in place. In the final few weeks, the cast will form a ‘bubble’ and performances will take place without social distancing or masks.

Join Rosie Kay Dance Company for a panel discussion “Making a Romeo + Juliet in present-day Birmingham” on Fri 28 May, 2.30pm. Find out more about this streamed discussion and register to book your place.