Shocking premiere: Romeo and Juliet” as a struggle for love!

Shocking premiere: Romeo and Juliet” as a struggle for love!

On Friday, October 3, 2025, the latest production of Shakespeare's classic work “Romeo and Juliet” premiered at the Neubrandenburg Theater and Orchestra. The new acting director David Czesienski is directing, presenting his first directorial work in Neustrelitz. How NDR reports, Czesienski brings a breath of fresh air to the traditional institution, and his vision for the piece is nothing less than a grand wrestling show.

What is particularly striking is the production, which uses a hexagonal fighting ring as a backdrop to depict the enmity between the feuding families. “We want to bring to the fore the universal themes of conflict and love,” explains Czesienski, emphasizing that the play’s relevance to modern societies remains intact. The old drama is reinterpreted with a mix of dynamic stage design and fresh forms of representation.

From tradition to modernity

In this production, the characters are presented in uniform cliques; While some appear with blue helmet hairstyles, others show themselves with pink pump muscles. This highlights the conflicts not only between the families, but also between the parents' generation and the young protagonists. In an interview, actor Kevin Knobloch, who is playing his first role as Romeo, reveals: “I try to find my own interpretation of the character, inspired by the different portrayals I have studied.”

The production is musically accompanied by Paul Sies' elegiac song “Geträumet”, which is used in the finale. Czesienski not only hired the actors, but also renowned fight choreographers, such as Vanja Hagemann, who is responsible for the exciting fight scenes.

Overall, the ensemble consists of talented actors, including Charlotta Grimm as Julia and Lennart Klappstein as Mercutio. Other roles include Lisa Scheibner, Matthias Horn and Florian Rast, all of whom contribute their part to this modern adaptation of Shakespeare's timeless work. These characters are not only part of the classic narrative, but also bearers of contemporary themes Shakespeare's influence reflect on contemporary theater.

A look into the future

David Czesienski is already planning more exciting pieces for the current season, including “Glorious!” and “The Csárdás Princess”, which will certainly delight the audience as well. The next performances of “Romeo and Juliet” are planned for October 11th and 17th and November 6th, 7th and 15th at the Landestheater Neustrelitz, followed by performances at the Schauspielhaus Neubrandenburg. Ticket reservations can be made by calling 03981-20 64 00 and 0395-569 98 32.

The innovative approach to Shakespeare's classic shows how lively and adaptable theater can remain even in modern times. The mix of martial arts and classical dramaturgy could actually be the next big thing in the regional cultural calendar.