TAKE A BOW
Now that you've seen the show, let's unpack.
Evaluating works of art can be challenging. Let's walk through some guided questions and activities to round out your experience.
1. ON THE BUS
Here are some questions that you can use to guide conversation on the way back to school:
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What resonated with you? (What does it mean to resonate?)
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What's one thing you'll remember about this experience a year from now?
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If you could work on any part of the production, what would you do?
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What do you "wonder?" Meaning - what would you like to learn more about?
2. CLASSROOM ACTIVITY
EXPLORING THEMES
Guide a classroom discussion on the themes of Romeo and Juliet, some of which are listed below. Then, use the attached lesson plan to explore these themes in more depth.
Love and Conflict
Love and conflict are closely connected throughout Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare shows how even the strongest love can struggle to survive in a world filled with hatred and violence.
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Romeo and Juliet fall in love despite the feud between the Montague and Capulet families.
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Their relationship offers hope that the two families can reconcile.
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Characters like Tybalt and Mercutio show how quickly conflicts can escalate into violence.
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The hatred surrounding the lovers ultimately contributes to their tragic fate.
Can you name a modern story (tv show, movie) where love is eclipsed by a form of hatred? What does that story have in common with Romeo & Juliet?
Family Loyalty and Individual Choice
Many characters must choose between following family expectations and pursuing their own happiness. Romeo and Juliet's struggle highlights the challenges of balancing loyalty to family with personal desires.
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Romeo and Juliet choose their love for each other over their families' expectations.
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Juliet challenges her parents when they try to control her future.
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Romeo risks family loyalty by pursuing a relationship with a Capulet.
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The play explores the tension between personal happiness and family duty.
What could Romeo and Juliet have done different to make this play end happily? How could they have used their love to change the tragic ending?
Fate and Free Will
Shakespeare raises questions about whether people's lives are shaped by destiny or by their own decisions. The play suggests that both fate and personal choices contribute to the tragic outcome.
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Romeo and Juliet are described as “star-crossed lovers,” suggesting their fate is predetermined.
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Many events in the play seem guided by destiny and bad luck.
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At the same time, the characters' choices influence the outcome of the story.
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Shakespeare leaves it unclear whether fate or free will is more responsible for the tragedy.
Based on the play: do you think Shakespeare believes fate controls everything?
Youth and Impulsive Decisions
The play highlights the passion and intensity of youth. Romeo and Juliet often act on emotion, making important decisions without taking time to consider the consequences.
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Romeo and Juliet make important decisions very quickly.
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Their sudden marriage reflects the intensity of their emotions.
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Romeo's impulsive revenge against Tybalt leads to his banishment.
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Juliet's decision to take Friar Laurence's potion shows her willingness to take risks without fully considering the consequences.
Can you name a time in the play when going with “your gut” was a good idea, and when it wasn’t?
Secrecy and Failed Communication
Secrets and misunderstandings play a major role in the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. As communication breaks down, small mistakes grow into life-changing consequences.
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Romeo and Juliet keep their relationship a secret from their families.
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Friar Laurence and the Nurse help hide important information from others.
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A failed message prevents Romeo from learning about Juliet's plan.
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Misunderstandings and poor communication play a major role in the tragedy's ending.
Which one of the secrets or miscommunications do you think is the worst? Who is to blame?
A DEEPER LOOK
Behind the scenes: Visit the show page on our website for more.
Discover videos, photos, and press coverage about the show, as well as more information about the creative team (playwright, director, and designers), and behind the scenes photos and stories at the bottom of the page!
Visit the Romeo and Juliet show page for more about the show.
Follow us on Instagram @alleytheatre for updates and behind the scenes about each upcoming production.
THANK YOU!
"HOUSTON, THIS IS YOUR THEATRE!"
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