I am taking the time to write this review because I truly want to protect young children from the lewd content of the version of Romeo and Juliet at Two River Theatre. My little girl's private school planned a trip to the matinee after being approached by Two River Theatre's group sales for schools. Two River Theatre solicited local schools to attend what I consider the absolutely horrible production of Romeo and Juliet by claiming that the production was appropriate for children in 7th grade through 12th grade.
I also attended the play. While I wish that my little girl and I, as well as the other 140 children from the school, never saw the horrible graphic content at Two River Theatre's version of Romeo and Juliet, I know that it is good that
I know the graphic lewd actions that my child was exposed to. I phoned the theatre to speak to a staff member involved with group sales to schools and
I spoke with Jennifer. I asked how could such a graphic show be promoted to young children and I noted that it is a crime for adults to expose minor children to pornography. Jennifer pushed back by saying that she does not consider the show as pornographic because there is no full nudity and all acts are simulated. She also noted that there is a disclaimer. It is true that the website noted, "This production contains strong language, adult content, violence, and depictions of suicide.", but that does not begin to touch on the lewd content in the production and how certain portions of the show have nothing to do with Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. That disclaimer seems suitable for a typical production of Romeo and Juliet. The production at Two River Theatre is not typical and, again, has portions unrelated to Romeo and Juliet. A whole section of the show addresses an imagined graphic adult relationship that a well known singer had with clouds that resulted in a certain color rain while one of 'the actors' used gestures indicative of profanity and actually used profanity. The character of Romeo even wore a shirt that had profanity on it. That staff member that I spoke to that defended the lewd acts by stating that they were simulated seems to want to ignore what was actually simulated. When a parent sends their young
13 year old child on a school trip to see Romeo and Juliet, I truly do not believe that any parent would expect the actions of the actors when there was a line relating to delivering a blow to another man's sword in what would usually be a scene showing a sword fight. I was appalled when one male actor began to undo and take down his pants as the other male actor moved closer to him and dropped to his knees. The lewd implication was shocking. It is sad to say that was not the only lewd act that was simulated.
I am disappointed in Two River Theatre for exposing young children to what
I consider lewd and pornographic acts. Citing legal sources, "Pornography means the possession, sharing, or production of any known obscene material in the school environment.", and Two River Theatre staff members did solicit schools to attend the production. For those that might say that there must be an intention to arouse or stimulate to claim that the content is pornographic, then I will say that the show fits that description because a simple kiss caused a male character to simulate what he seemed to imply was an uncontrollable reaction. That reaction was simulated multiple times during the show by multiple characters. I will also note that there were many adults in attendance that were not with the school. Many of those adults did not return to the show after the intermission. There were so many vacant seats after intermission. My guess is that many in attendance left because they were disgusted by what I consider a vulgar distasteful performance.
I would have applauded the faculty members of my child's school if they stood up and announced that they were taking the children out of the theatre. I will further note that I have contacted many local schools and school boards to alert them to the content and to suggest that they cancel any possible trips to see the show. I have also contacted officials at Red Bank Borough Hall to ask that they help prevent the theatre from selling tickets to children under the age of 18. I do believe that the police should get involved to protect children from being exposed to the lewd acts that Two River Theatre staff, in collaboration with the National Asian American Theatre Company, is exposing young children to. I notice that the theatre has updated the disclaimer to include "use of profanity", which was not included earlier. I will also note that the administration of my little girl's school feels mislead by the theatre staff. What innocent children were exposed to is an absolute disgrace. read more