The Public Theater's ROMEO & JULIET 2026

The second installment for the renovated Delacorte Theater/ Free Shakespeare-in-the-Park is probably one of, if not the Bard’s best known play, “Romeo & Juliet.” Although it is beloved and popular, a classic among Shakespeare’s cannon of classics, it is not one that is frequently done by the Public Theater. In fact, it’s been 20 years since the ill-fated star-crossed lovers took center stage in Central Park. Unlike the last time it was performed, don’t expect this production to be traditional. Often Shakespeare’s dramas are all drama all the time in the way that his comedies are almost alway light and comedic. But with this story in particular, there is as much violence and tragedy as romance and hope, and in the case of this version, peppered with just the right amount of comic relief. Romeo & Juliet really does offer a lot of what Shakespeare is known for, without being too heavy handed with any of it… until the very or bitter end (pun intended)

If not familiar with the basics of “Romeo & Juliet,” let’s set the stage: The town is dominated by two families, the Montagues and Capulets who are torn apart by ideology and a seemingly inevitable clash. Violence seeps into the streets of Verona, and all families have to maintain their allegiance, When Romeo and Juliet meet and fall in love, they know not that they that the other is a member of the enemy family, and eventually they care not about their differences. Initially, their secret encounters are rainbows and roses as they profess their love for one another. In fact, it at this point that Juliet delivers one of the most well-known lines from the play.

“What is in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet. So Rome would, were he not Romeo called, retain that dear perfection which he owes without that title. Romeo, doff they name and for thy name, which is no part of thee, take all myself.”

Their secret love and their secret sweet times together seem fleeting as the warring factions of their family and community come crashing in on their relationship. In this bold new staging, the play unfolds in English, but Romeo and Juliet eventually begin to speak to one another in both Spanish, a language reserved for their shared world. In addition to the play being bilingual the other modern aspects to the production included contemporary costumes and a sparsely designed stage featuring a gigantic wall reminiscent of the U.S. / Mexico border wall. All this, and more, gives a nod to our current political climate of strife and division.

“While Romeo & Juliet endures as one of the greatest love stories ever told, it is equally a cautionary tale about the devastating consequences of division within a society. We are living through an extraordinary and painful moment, witnessing the loss of our fellow citizens as we wage war over the very question of who belongs in America,” said director Saheem Ali. “Shakespeare has something urgent and heartbreaking to say about how the young and innocent become collateral in wars they did not choose."

Although “Romeo & Juliet” is known mostly for it’s dramatic themes and tragic ending, it does have moments of levity, thanks in large part to some of the supporting charters, like Juliet’s nurse. In this production the nurse is played by Deirdre O’Connell. While you may not recognize that name, you more than likely will recognize her face from numerous supporting roles on TV and film (“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” “The Beast in Me”). Hers though is probably only one of a couple of recognizable face in the play. Unlike last year for the launch of the renovated space which was a star studded affair, this year’s production has big Hollywood actors attached to it. There is nothing wrong with that because while major prominent figures often love to participate in the Public Theater’s free Shakespeare, it’s refreshing to see the theater give opportunities to local working actors. The cast led by Ra’Mya Latiah Aikens portraying Juliet, and Daniel Bravo Hernández as Romeo do the production and the enduring, timeless drama proud.

The Delacorte production of “Romeo & Juliet” runs through June 28, and supported by the Shakespeare Mobile Unit production of “As You Like It,” which makes its way through all five boroughs. This year also marks the return of two productions presented on the new Delacorte stage. On July 25th, Tony Award-winning director Daniel Sullivan presents a spellbinding new production of “The Winter’s Tale.”

Tickets to The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park are distributed in a number of ways. Go to visitpublictheater.org for details.