In advance of English Touring Opera’s upcoming performance of The Capulets & The Montagues at Snape Maltings, Director Eloise Lally shares an insight into the production and describes the creative influences that have shaped this very special performance.

“We are delighted to be welcoming audiences to Bellini’s The Capulets and The Montagues this spring, and into the space that we have created to explore Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

When approaching the piece, we decided that we wanted to challenge the story that Shakespeare has created, which lives in the imagination of the British people. We wanted to present the characters of Romeo and Juliet living in a space of violence, but also amongst very intimate family drama.”

“For us, the sense of violence as a means of survival that runs throughout the narrative evoked images of Italian-American New York, the mafia, and the cinematic influence of Martin Scorsese. Our Designer Lily Arnold has really brought this vision to life, creating a vibrant and visceral world, filled with character. Audiences can look forward to this design transforming as the story deconstructs.

We hope that with this cinematic influence, there will be a very relatable frame for audiences to view our opera through. We meet the Capulets at the end of their reign over the streets of New York, as they face a loss of control. We see them navigate their way through the intergenerational conflict that sits at the heart of Bellini’s opera, and how this impacts the lives of two young people, longing for love and escape.

If you think you know Romeo and Juliet, think again. Come along to see The Capulets and The Montagues this spring, and challenge your own perceptions of a classic.”

Eloise Lally

Two households at war. Two lovers in over their heads, doomed by the conflict between their families. With its tale of loyalty and love put to the test amidst political violence, The Capulets & The Montagues is a devastating re-working of Romeo & Juliet that remains a fresh, vital take on a well-loved story.

Find out more and book tickets now.