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Redefining Juliet

Storme Toolis

A frank and gutsy retelling of a classic in which three actors share the role of Juliet, each owning Shakespeare’s heroine for themselves while challenging universal ideas of beauty and sexuality.

Weaving text from Romeo and Juliet with hard-hitting stories from women whose femininity and authenticity have been questioned by society, Redefining Juliet celebrates difference to prove that anyone can play the iconic part.

Appearing regularly on British television, Storme Toolis has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. Inspired by a desire to portray Juliet herself, she collaborates with other performers who have felt like outsiders to bring multiple dimensions to the famed romantic lead. Featuring key scenes from the play, interspersed with resonant details of the actors’ personal lives, this is an empowering production, both joyous and sad, shot through with wit.

 

Duration: 1 hour
Age guidance: 14+

Thu 29 Nov, 7.45pm
BSL-interpreted and post-show talk

Fri 30 Nov, 7:45pm
BSL-interpreted and audio-described

Developed in collaboration with the Barbican and the RSC

Part of The Art of Change

Our 2018 season explores how the arts respond to, reflect and potentially effect change in the social and political landscape.

Freesheet

A group of people sat in a circle

Redefining Roles

We asked the cast and creative team behind 'Redefining Juliet' which other 'female' figures from theatre, film or history they would like reimagine.

Watch: About Redefining Juliet (BBC)

Broadcast on BBC Four in 2016, watch this short documentary following creative director and wheelchair user Storme Toolis and her group of actors through the rehearsal process of their theatrical production to the Barbican.

The Pit