The Jamie Lloyd Company has hit back after its production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet” has been the subject of what they call a “barrage of deplorable racial abuse” aimed at an unnamed cast member.
The play, directed by Jamie Lloyd (“Sunset Boulevard”), stars “Spider-Man: No Way Home” star Tom Holland as Romeo and Francesca Amewaduh-Rivers (“Sex Education”) as Juliet.
On Friday, the Jamie Lloyd Company issued a statement, saying: “Following the announcement of our ‘Romeo & Juliet’ cast, there has been a barrage of deplorable racial abuse online directed towards a member of our company. This must stop.”
I thought Romeo was a teenager too? I mean, the difference in age should be around 3 years they are supposed to be 13 and 16, although the age of Romeo is really never specified, I wouldn’t say it’s that problematic.
I find Anakin and Padme, or Bella and Edward more problematic, and there’s not much outrage for those.
I took the time to google the claim and it’s bullshit.
One of the source materials of Shakespeare mentions his soft skin and lack of facial hair which would mean he’s younger than 15.
I would stick with the original play: Shakespeare died not mention his age but he is acting less mature than Juliet.
They’re both young. Aa for his acting, it is the one of a lovesick person, it doesn’t mean lack of maturity.
This thread is about the literary Romeo, not a specific actor.
By the way, I have seen this eternal love story portrayed ny gnomes (Gnomeo and Juliet or something like this - good movie BTW) so as far as the roles are respected, we could have this portrayed by ants.