Synopsis
ACT I
At a masked ball in the Capulet palace, Juliet’s cousin Tybalt assures Count Paris that Juliet, who has been promised to him, is enchanting. Lord Capulet presents his daughter to the guests and invites everyone to dance. Mercutio and Romeo have donned masks to sneak into the ball, together with other Montague friends. Romeo tells them about a strange dream he has had, but Mercutio dismisses it as the work of the fairy Queen Mab. In a chance passing, Romeo and Juliet lock eyes and experience the first sparks of love. Juliet explains to her nurse, Gertrude, that she has no interest in marriage, but when Romeo approaches her in a quiet moment, both feel that they are meant for each other. Tybalt happens upon them and recognizes Romeo, leading both Romeo and Juliet to discover each other’s family identity. Lord Capulet prevents Tybalt from attacking Romeo, who, with his friends, makes a hasty retreat.
ACT II
Later that night, Romeo enters the Capulets’ garden, looking for Juliet. When she steps out onto her balcony, he declares his love. Search parties briefly interrupt their midnight encounter. When they are alone once again, Juliet assures Romeo that she will be his forever.
ACT III
Romeo visits Friar Laurence at the church and confesses his love for Juliet. Shortly thereafter, Juliet appears with Gertrude. Hoping that their love might reconcile their families, Friar Laurence marries them. In the public square, Romeo’s page, Stephano, sings a song about a turtledove imprisoned in a nest of vultures. This angers several of the Capulets. Mercutio comes to Stephano’s aid, but soon Tybalt challenges Mercutio to a fight. Romeo steps between them and asks Tybalt to forget about the hatred between their families. Tybalt has nothing but scorn for him, and when he kills Mercutio in their duel, Romeo stabs Tybalt to death. The Duke of Verona appears and, after partisans of both families demand justice, exiles Romeo.
ACT IV
Romeo and Juliet secretly meet in Juliet’s bedroom to consummate their marriage. Juliet forgives Romeo for killing Tybalt. The newlyweds passionately declare their love as day is dawning. They can hardly bring themselves to say goodbye. After Romeo has left, Lord Capulet appears, together with Friar Laurence, and announces to his daughter that she is to marry Paris that same day. Desperate, Juliet turns to Friar Laurence, who gives her a potion that will make her appear to be dead. He promises that she will awaken with Romeo beside her. Love lends Juliet courage: she overcomes her fear and drinks the poison. As she faces Paris at the altar, Juliet collapses. To the guests’ horror, Lord Capulet announces that she is dead.
ACT V
Romeo arrives at the Capulets’ crypt. Discovering Juliet’s body, he believes her to be dead and drinks a deadly poison. At that moment, she awakens, and the lovers share a final dream of a future together. As Romeo grows weaker, Juliet decides to join him in death and stabs herself with a dagger. The lovers die, finally united in eternity