The Romeo And Juliet Project

The Romeo & Juliet Project

The play. Free workshops. An art installation.

Is empathy possible?

Can you empathize with your headstrong neighbor? Your child? The president?

We are the makers of division in our world. The cracks between us become wider and out of them issue fear, anxiety and hate...and also, sometimes, love.

Prompted by a backdrop of divisive current events, a group of storytellers, divided by age, connected by purpose, dives into the story of Romeo & Juliet to explore the possibilities of empathy in a world riddled with division.

The Romeo & Juliet Project is Enso Theatre Ensemble's next main stage production.


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THE PLAY: We are adapting Shakespeare's text into a fast-and-furious 90-minute ride. While we are using most of the original text, we will be playing with sharing and swapping lines, and roles will be cast gender-blind. The ensemble will consist of six actors, representing three generations: two teens, two 20-30 yr. olds and two 65+.

THE WORKSHOPS: Starting in March, we will be offering free Shakespeare workshops to high school students. These workshops will explore the ways that our world intersects with the world of Romeo & Juliet and ask the question: how can Shakespeare's text and characters help us understand and empathize with our own world?

THE ART INSTALLATION: We want to create a metal, ladder-esque wall (reminiscent of the Romeo & Juliet wall in Verona, Italy) which will both be a part of the set and serve as an interactive art piece before and after the show. Audience members will be able to purchase locks that they can sign with the initials of a loved one, and then lock to the wall. 

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FUNDS: Below is a breakdown of how the funds raised here will be used:

Stipends for cast & crew: $3,600
Art Installation (building the ladder wall): $1,000
Partial Set Budget: $400

The remainder of our show needs will be provided by grants and/or funds we raised from our previous main stage production, Pride & Prejudice: An Adaptation.

Our goal is to raise these funds by the start of rehearsals--May 16th, 2017.

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We want to create a space where youth and adults alike are encouraged to find empathy and conversation across generations and divisions.

Support this project by donating here, or join our Facebook group, "Friends of Enso" to receive photos, videos and more that you can post to share our work with others.

Thank you thank you thank you.

It's people like you,
Who love what we do,
That allow us to do
What we love. <3

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Enso Theatre Ensemble is a 501(c)3 that produces vivid, innovative theatrical works and offers unique educational opportunities in an environment of wellness and well-being.

(from our main stage production of "Pride & Prejudice: An Adaptation)