Juliet and Romeo
Lost Dog/ Ben Duke |
A double suicide? What nonsense. A tragic love affair, sure: neither Juliet nor Romeo would deny it was that. But an end-of-life clinic on speed dial? Come on. Where Shakespeare ended their tragedy with a flourish, the two of them stayed the course, pining away for each other. It even led to a marriage. Now Romeo and his Juliet are in their disillusioned forties, attending couple’s therapy. We get to witness their bittersweet fights, alongside the first time they met, danced and had sex. Then the children were born. The rest is howling history.
Juliet and Romeo is intelligent, accessible dance theatre. Its theme: the lies we tell ourselves about love. In 2016 Ben Duke stole Boulevard hearts and minds with Paradise Lost. Now he is on his knees, begging to Solène, who sits ruminating. Popcorn, the past. A touching, wry, and loving piece.
The Guardian: “Smart, subversive and sexy” *****
The Stage: “A goddamn masterpiece.” *****
Bachtrack: The blend of spoken word and choreography is darkly funny. The grit in the humour elicits pearls of warmth and empathy from the audience.
Dutch premiere
English spoken, Dutch surtitles
concept: Ben Duke
performance | dance: Ben Duke en Solène Weinachter
Lost Dog / Ben Duke is present on the 7th of August at Talk of the Town.
This performance can be booked in combination with Bonte Hond – IK for Tuesday 7 August. Select one of these two performances and the combiticket option is offered.
