American Shakespeare's production of "Romeo and Juliet"

The American Shakespeare production of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" creates a lively and entertaining play from the classic text. The actors use several implicit cues and techniques so that the viewer may better understand the play. One element the actors portray particularly well is the distinction of class among characters. This sets up the hierarchy of the medieval system allowing the audience to become drawn up in the action of the play.

The actors use different patterns of dress for characters of lower class and upper class, allowing their status to easily be identified. The Servants and the Nurse both wear clothing of the same color scheme. In every scene, these characters are dressed in a reddish brown and white. The use of the reddish brown creates the illusion of clothing that has been worn out. With Peter, one of the Nurse's helpers, clothing is using particularly poignantly. For example, while others in high rank among the Capulets and Montagues wear brightly colored hosiery, Peter is wearing shorts that do not even cover his knees. In an era of ornate clothing this strikes the audience's eye. The same actor who plays Peter also plays the Prince. Yet, due to each character's clothing, there is no mistaking the two. The Prince wears a medallion along with a fur coat and a crown. It is obvious that he wears his rank.

Posture and stance is another way the actors portray different social class to the audience. The Nurse and Peter are prone to exaggerated and informal gestures. In no place is this better exemplified than when the Nurse uses several sexual poses. These bawdy gestures create disdain from nobles such as Lady Capulet. The servants also have poor posture throughout the play. Again when compared with the Prince, this creates a dramatic juxtaposition. The Prince carries himself formally standing completely erect with little other movement. It is clear from this stance that his word carries the weight of law.

The use of these cues create an enthralling play. It allows the play to mirror society with the numerous nuances and norms between different classes. Yet it also is used for humor. When the formal interacts with the informal, as in the case of the bawdy poses of the Nurse, humor is created. By using these techniques, the actors ensure the audience is enraptured and can both be entertained and enlightened by the play.