Romeo & Juliet Remix is a one-of-a-kind movie filmed entirely on Zoom, featuring an ensemble cast of 38 actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each actor took one specific moment in this classic story of love and hate and made it their own. This is a larger-than-life project full of colorful animation, original music, and a lot of passion, but we've only ever been able to watch it from our own homes on a computer screen...until now. We are thrilled to bring our community together yet again for this special screening event. Whether you are a long time friend of A.B.L.E., or are new to our work, you don't want to miss it!
More about Romeo & Juliet Remix
Clashes in the streets, people yearning for connection but being kept apart, a citywide plague...Shakespeare’s 400 year old tale feels as timely as ever, and even more so when told through the eyes of A.B.L.E.’s ensembles.
Romeo & Juliet Remix weaves Shakespeare's words with original monologues, scenes, songs, and dances developed by the cast. Some of the original pieces include a monologue from the perspective of Juliet’s suitor, Paris, devised and performed by actor Martin Conway, original songs by Christian Boyd and Emmett Fox, and a dance piece by actors Sandia Coleman and Marissa Bloodgood inspired by the imagery of “the nightingale” and “the lark” in the lovers’ final goodbye.
Over a 10-week rehearsal process on Zoom, A.B.L.E.’s ensembles collaborated with a team of teaching artists and volunteer facilitators to learn Shakespeare’s classic story of love and hate and make it their own. A.B.L.E.’s programming team battled Zoom fatigue, lagging internet signals, and tight living quarters to reinvent their programs for a virtual format. Actors learned the story and characters through games like “What’s in the Apothecary Shop?” and “Bite Your Thumb”, and went on scavenger hunts around their homes to find costumes and props. To make the virtual sessions more engaging, A.B.L.E. mailed each actor a kit at the start of the rehearsal process with visual aids, crafts, and activities. Between sessions, actors crafted their own Shakespearean ruffs out of coffee filters, decorated masquerade masks for the Capulet Ball, and created music playlists inspired by the events in the story.
TRANSPORTATION
BUS: The nearest bus routes are #22, #36, and #76
EL: Brown & Purple Lines to Wellington (0.5 miles) or Diversey (0.6 miles)
PARKING: $6 validated four-hour parking is located in the Century City Shopping Center lot. Enter on Clark Street just north of the theater.
See our Social Story for more information about getting to this event
ACCESSIBILITY
Romeo & Juliet Remix is open captioned.
Landmark Century Centre Cinema offers wheelchair seating.
In solidarity with the disability community, masks are required for all attendees.
If you have additional access needs, please note these after your ticket purchase.
Click here for a Social Story with more information about what to expect at this event
AUDIENCE ADVISORY
Romeo & Juliet Remix is a true Shakespearean tragedy. The story includes violence, murder, suicide, sexual situations...and a lot of dancing.
The runtime of Romeo & Juliet Remix is 1 hour and 21 minutes.
Romeo & Juliet Remix was supported by grants from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Illinois Arts Council, the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, and generous individual supporters like you!
