Every moment of Romeo and Juliet is fueled by a kind of violent urgency. The play takes place over four volatile days, in which a mindless and toxic tribalism collides with the force of young love. The result, as described by the Prince, is that “All are punished,” but that isn’t entirely accurate. Yes, the parents mourn, and yes, the other adults who failed to protect the young lovers feel shame and grief. But, when looking at the body count, it is the younger generation that pays the ultimate price.

This 90-minute cut of the play creates a kind of speed that is very current. Our 24-hour news cycle and the continuous river of social media encourage a kind of manic race from crisis to crisis, and this play feels ideally suited to this new reality.

Just as we are increasingly programmed to react to the latest outrage, the characters in this tragedy operate in a frantic reaction, which doesn’t allow for critical thinking or empathy.

In this telling of the story, our focus is to lean into this cost and how the young—while rarely the source of feuds and wars—are most likely the first victims. Shakespeare never tells us why these families are at odds. It is an “ancient grudge,” and, as in our world today, these historical grievances are often the deadliest. The young are raised with an inheritance of hate that they don’t fully understand but still they give their lives to revenge.

Which leaves Juliet and Romeo. Their sudden and all-consuming love lets them imagine that they can escape their fate, but despite Romeo’s brave declaration to “defy you, stars!”, there is no place for love in this world, for “violent delights have violent ends.”

Director and Arvada Center Artistic Director Lynne Collins