Even though Shakespeare wrote ‘Romeo & Juliet’ more than 400 years ago, it is still as contemporary as today’s headlines. Misunderstanding and hatred still drive a wedge between people who have everything in common. This is true, not only of the Hindu-Muslim divide, but also applies to Sri Lanka, to Ireland, to the Middle East… and almost every place on Earth.

This is why this production was set in India in the year 2002. The play is about conflict. Conflict, not only between two communities, but between parents and children, exposing the hypocrisy of ‘arranged marriages’ and the treatment of servants.

Juliet is a rebel who wants to break out of the narrow confines of tradition, where a daughter’s role is to listen and never disobey. Plays about female characters who want to change the times they live in have always attracted Alyque – like Evita, Begum Sumroo, and Mirabai. In today’s world, prejudice has no place. But prejudice can only be overcome by courage. ‘Romeo & Juliet’ is a play about courage and tearing. Communities are torn apart. Daughter and parents are torn apart. The two lovers are torn apart This is what happens when violence meets love.