Warning: This is not done, I still need to finish my two other performance topics (eye contact, facial expression.) as well as the reflection piece. I completely re-wrote my second draft from my first, so this is still a work in progress. :)
Romeo and Juliet is a vibrant and play by William Shakespeare that encompases a newfound passion facing the trials of status, circumstances, and “ “. Juliet is a character who transforms throughout the story, firstly representing an exaggerated version of a naive and innocent girl. After reworking Act II Scene II, I was able to delve into my interpretation of why Juliet reacts the way she does in each moment, as well as her raw personality and perspective. Portraying Juliet in this scene helped me to understand the details of her relationship, as well as how it transformed her as a character. With my interpretation of this scene, I was able to portray Juliet’s emergence and hesitation to become a woman through body language, eye contact, and facial expression.
When reading and interpreting this scene of Romeo and Juliet, I recognized Juliet as a character battling with confliction. At the beginning of the story Juliet seems young and new to the love that is presented in front of her. By the end of the play she has stepped away from what has binded her by manifesting independence, and ultimately letting her soul chase the love that she craves. Meeting Romeo is the catalyst that drives Juliet into her ambivalence and emergence. I believe the crux of the play is when Juliet steps out onto the balcony, allowing herself to confess her love to Romeo. But in my analysis, the crux of Act II Scene II is when Juliet allows Romeo to take her hand and finally touch her, revealing that she truly wants to pursue their love, defining the goal for the rest of the play.
From the start of working with this scene, I felt that Juliet had a strong sense of back and forth feelings. It was important that I was able to show how Juliet juggles with the idea of independence in her mind. This scene allows the audience to understand Juliet’s specific feelings, since they are revealed in her lines. There are many moments where Romeo has to reassure Juliet, and make her feel comfortable, possibly making Romeo insecure in the beginning. When thinking about my performance, I wanted to emphasise the idea that Juliet never questions her feelings love, but her own abilities with the obstacles around her. There are many variables that Juliet considers and battles with until she ultimately makes the decision to trust, stepping away from her doubts, and leaving them behind.
The two protagonists are dancers in their metaphorical battle of trust and vulnerability. They react and interact with each other, testing the willingness to push boundaries. Romeo and Juliet create distance and closeness to each other with their words, demonstrating the emotional uphill battle through their language. When Juliet says “If they do see thee, they will murder thee.” (act. scene.) she promotes the start of negative imagery towards giving in to her love, pushing Romeo to make multiple attempts at winning her over.
When blocking this scene, I wanted to highlight the importance of offering and retreating the body. Romeo was set up downstage right, and Juliet downstage left. The characters were standing next to one another throughout the whole scene, moving away and towards each other depending on what was necessary for each moment. When Juliet said anything negative or doubted the circumstances of their relationship, I took a step back. When anything positive was portrayed or said of their love or willingness to be together, there would be a step taken forward. I put a lot of emphasis on Juliet’s hesitation throughout most of the scene, making the few moments she steps forward more obvious to the audience.
Juliet battles with her feelings of reluctance throughout the scene. There are many moments when Romeo willingly illustrates his love without hesitation and attempts to convince Juliet that their love is stronger than anything that can keep them from one another. With all of the inside feelings that Juliet faces of becoming independent, Romeo never falters to convince her that he is willing to give all of himself to her. The vulnerable way that Romeo reacts puts Juliet in a position to make the decision of what their relationship will be. This tips the scale for Juliet, weighing her more towards the idea of possibility, rather than questioning “what if?”
When bringing the moments to life, as well as the back and forth motion, I wanted there to be a clear offering of the body. When Juliet was in the midst of vetting Romeo’s effect on her future, he gave her multiple opportunities to completely agree to their love. Romeo reached out his hand to Juliet, as if he was asking for her trust, and at the same time reassuring his love to her through language. Juliet does not take his hand on two separate instances, stepping away from him when he offers it. This created an anticipation for the audience, waiting for Juliet to offer herself in the same way that Romeo was.
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