What I liked
Clever parallel 5 act structure. Fun references to the source material. Great lighting design. The play is a classic sitcom, will they/won’t they bromance, with an exploration of narcissistic abuse. Younger fem Benvolio becomes increasingly reactive and triggered as older masc Horatio plies them with expensive alcohol, jokingly berates their supposedly “inferior tastes”, forces romantic advice, yells at them, threatens suicide, and demeans their cleanliness habits. Ultimately, Benvolio is compelled to emotionally support Horatio in their ascent to power, but thankfully does not move in with them.
What I didn't like
There should be a more explicit trigger warning for suicide, as the audio of Ophelia taking her own life is played over the sound system. While deeply triggering, it was one of the most powerful moments of the play, emphasizing the theme of misogyny as the foundation of abuse.
My overall impression
Definitely rewards Shakespeare buffs. The audience was divided into rabid fans of the actors and thoughtful onlookers.
