"Romeo and Juliet"

Part of a series designed to introduce sixth-form and undergraduate students to the themes, continuing vitality and performance of major dramatic works. The attention given to production aspects is an element of special importance, responding to the invigoration given to literary study by the work of leading contemporary critics. In this particular book Shakespeare's romantic play "Romeo and Juliet" is discussed in two separate sections. Part one looks at the actual text of the work by discussing the themes and problems which arise in analysis. The reader is encouraged to develop a perception of the inherent character of the work as well as variations in interpretation. Part two looks at the performance itself, examining the ways in which these themes or problems have been handled in modern productions and the approaches and techniques employed to enhance the play's accessibility to modern audiences.