Saheem Ali's Romeo and Juliet Set Along U.S.-Mexico Border at Shakespeare in the Park

The Public Theater is launching a fresh take on Romeo and Juliet, directed by Saheem Ali, set against the backdrop of the United States-Mexico border. In this version, the Montagues are depicted as a Spanish-speaking immigrant family, while the Capulets are a conservative mixed-race American family, both living on the same side of the wall. The bilingual script incorporates Spanish as the secret language of the lovers and includes design elements inspired by Mexican culture, like Día de Muertos visuals and a fence separating the stage from Central Park, with immigration officers present. Emerging actors Daniel Bravo Hernández (Romeo) and Ra'Mya Latiah Aikens (Juliet) will lead the cast. Performances will run from late May to June at the Delacorte Theater, marking the fourth production of Romeo and Juliet in the 70-year history of Shakespeare in the Park.