Romeo and Juliet was the greatest love story the world has ever known. But it all ended tragically... because of terrible timing.
Some people will love it. Some people will hate it. Most people will be shocked. Everyone will find it weird
But what if it had all been different? What if destiny had been on the lovers’ side? What if the fates had smiled instead of scowled at the two young lovers?
Local actor and radio personality Steve Hili has come up with the story of what might have been: What if Juliet had woken up just five minutes earlier?
What if she and Romeo had fled to modern-day London? What if Paris and Rosaline had got back onto the scene? And, finally, what if Tybalt had been resurrected as a zombie?
Add a mad witch from Macbeth into the mix and you have Romeo and Juliet 2 (and a Zombie) – the 18-rated, mad sequel to the greatest love story ever, offering what Mr Hili calls “full-blown, low-brow, naughty, offbeat, fringe-style fun”.
He tells me with a laugh: “This play is basically Shakespeare-meets-American Pie.
“The audience should expect madcap, naughty fun with some surreal Monty Pythonesque moments in there.
“Some people will love it. Some people will hate it. Most people will be shocked. Everyone will find it weird!”
Mr Hili has nothing but words of praise for his cast, made up of Aleksandra Radulovic as the artist formerly known as Prince and Benvolio, Alba Florian Viton (Rosaline), Joseph Zammit (Romeo), Chantelle Micallef Grimaud (Juliet), David Chircop (Paris), Joe Depasquale (Zombie Tybalt) and Sean Briffa (The Witch/es).
“They are incredible. They knew the script was mad and they have thrown themselves into it completely and with utter disregard for their own dignity,” he says.
“Seeing my words and ideas come to life is pretty incredible. I chose a cast of people I knew would do a good job and they themselves have been coming up with ideas and really taking ownership of it – which is exactly what I wanted.”
The cast members themselves certainly seem to have been infected (pun intended!) with Mr Hili’s infectious enthusiasm for the comedy.
Ms Florian Viton says the best part of taking part in this production is her daily encounters with the cast.
“Seeing such a huge amount of talent in every member of the cast every time we rehearse keeps me feeling very lucky to form part of such an incredible production,” she says.
Her sentiments are echoed by Ms Radulovic who says she has been enjoying the production immensely so far and has absolutely nothing negative to say about it.
Mr Zammit – a comedic actor who is playing against type this time as the romantic lead – says the instant connection with the cast is definitely the best part of the whole experience.
“The fact that the play is taken from an original locally-written script is always a bonus,” he adds.
“I believe people should always come and watch original scripts and support local talent and writers.
“And also, this play is fresh, daring and hilarious, requiring you to leave your brain at the door and laugh out loud throughout the whole thing... what more do you need?”
Mr Chircop – whose character is the one who brings a mad violent Zombie back to life – concurs, calling the script “fresh, quirky and weird in a good way!”.
This is a really fresh, uninhibited take on what Romeo and Juliet could have been.
“It’s fun, it’s well written... and frankly, not to be missed.”
• Romeo and Juliet 2 (and a Zombie) will take place at the MADC Clubrooms in Sta Venera on August 31 and September 1 and 2. Booking is open on www.panto.com.mt or by calling 9944 9161.