A History of the RSC in 50 Objects (Online)

DRESS WORN BY NIAMH CUSACK

Romeo and Juliet, 1986

Director:  Michael Bogdanov
Designer:  Chris Dyer

 

This production of Romeo and Juliet was set in 1980s Italy. There were mopeds and Alpha Romeos on the stage and instead of the masked ball there was a disco.

Bogdanov believes that we are only able to interpret Shakespeare in a modern way. He does not think it is possible for us to watch Shakespeare's plays as if we were members of 16th century society. Not everyone agreed with him and the production received mixed reviews.

Niamh Cusack played Juliet opposite Sean Bean as Romeo. Niamh comes from a family of actors. Her father (Cyril), two sisters (Sinead and Sorcha) and half sister (Catherine) have all appeared on stage for the RSC.