New take on classic portrayal of romance

Experience Romeo and Juliet as never before.

Crossmatch Theatre director Ross MacLeod's take on Shakespeare's tale of star-crossed lovers features original twists and interpretations.

MacLeod has retooled the play while leaving the spirit intact, and his version poses the question: When is the moment two people realise they've fallen in love?

"Romeo and Juliet is one of Shakespeare's most well-known and best-loved plays," he said.

"This makes producing a memorable and completely fresh take on it a particular challenge - you've got to keep the audience interested in the new dynamics without alienating them."

Recent takes on Romeo and Juliet have included director Tim van Dammen's Kiwi trailer park setting, and Baz Luhrmann's gun-toting gang warfare version.

MacLeod's take sees the play set in ancient times, but with a few key changes - some subtle, and some that alter the entire dynamic of the play.

The cast is a mixture of fresh faces and Hamilton thespian stalwarts.

Romeo and Juliet are portrayed by Connor Maxwell and Hannah Grant. The mercurial Mercutio undergoes a name change to Mercutia and is played by Clare McDonald, last seen in the critically-acclaimed absurdist play Plains.

Waikato Times columnist Joshua Drummond plays Friar Laurence, Laird McGillicuddy Graham Cairns and Creative Waikato chief executive Sarah Nathan play the parts of the Capulets, and Ross MacLeod portrays Tybalt, King of Cats.

Romeo and Juliet is being performed at 7.30pm tonight and tomorrow, October 31, and November 1 and 2 at The Playhouse Theatre, Academy of Performing Arts, Waikato University. Entry is by donation.