Shakespeare(TM)s balcony scene(TM) (Act 2 Scene 2) is renowned throughout the world. Given the restrictions of the Globe Theatre how might Shakespeare have directed this scene to appeal to his whole audience?

Pre 1914 Drama/ Shakespeare coursework

English and literature GCSE

Shakespeare’s ‘balcony scene’ (Act 2 Scene 2) is renowned throughout the world. Given the restrictions of the Globe Theatre how might Shakespeare have directed this scene to appeal to his whole audience?

Act 2 Scene 2, or balcony scene as it is most commonly known, is arguably one of Shakespeare’s most beautiful and passionate. The dramatic devices, along with its buoyancy fill the scene with an eccentric and expressive impact. The novel entails “A pair of star-crossed lovers” as noted in the prologue that “Take their life”. Shakespeare’s linguistic talents along with poetic skills portray masses of sexual tension and lingering delays throughout the scene. I will talk of a few moments in which this tragic tale could be performed to create complete excitement within the Globe Theatre.

After a Capulet party, once Romeo’s friends have departed, Romeo finds the need to seek Juliet. He then speaks to the audience regarding his love for Juliet; “Juliet is the sun” this metaphor is one that can be displayed with a number of meanings. Juliet is hot, flamboyant and bright. Romeo sees her as the queen of the sky and without her life would not exist. As soon he reaches Juliet’s balcony a dramatic device is used. By this we mean that Juliet is declaring her undying love for Romeo without knowing that he can actually hear all that is said; “ Be but sworn my love”. Thus allowing the audience to realise that their kiss in the previous scene means more to them both than is first expected.

Proxemics would be used to create an effect between Romeo and Juliet that made them appear so close but yet so far away. When James and I acted out a section of the scene we tried to reconstruct this image by bringing both characters up really close but never actually touching, which I felt symbolized it well. To emphasize the virtuosity and innocence of 14 year old Juliet, it would be appropriate to clothe her in a white night dress. This would appear to formulate purity and sanitary of Juliet. “Bright and angel,” and “A is a winged messenger ...

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Both Romeo and Juliet are from conflicting families and they both recognize that it would be ludicrous to from them to consider a future together. “Henceforth I never will be Romeo.” In this moment Juliet is startled and to some extent embarrassed to discover that Romeo had in fact been eavesdropping in on her declaration. She questions Romeo on how he got there “The orchard walls are high, and hard to climb, And the place death, considering who thou art.” By saying this Juliet briefly reminds the audience of the scale of trouble in which Romeo would be forced upon if he were to be caught, but at the same time points out Romeo’s bravery and lack of care for his own safety when Juliet is concerned.

Shakespeare describes there love of the couple as “Too like lightning.” Lightning flashes quickly and then disappears within a matter of a few seconds. This brilliant metaphor portrays the romance between them as powerful, sudden and unpredictable. Also lightning is bright and can be blinding a times. “A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life.” This metaphor also links back to the prologue because a flash of radiant lightning is always closely followed by a rumble of menacing thunder.

Shortly after more surreal exchanging of prose, the nurse brings the whole fantasy crashing back down to earth. “Madam!” called the nurse from within. This dramatic device is used by Shakespeare to get the audience back on the edges of their seats. The nurse’s calling creates tension and excitement once more. The danger of the matter yet again becomes and issue. The tempo of the play quickly picks up as reality begins to sink in again; “I come, anon- But if thou meanest not well, I do beseech thee.” This should be said hurriedly by Juliet, who by now should have become very edgy and flustered.

A constant mention of light in the scene occurs, this therefore makes directing in the Globe more of a challenge. “Arise fair sun and kill the envious moon.” Without lighting body language is essential in portraying the different moods of the characters. Referring back earlier in the play when Romeo was perceived to be in love with Rosaline; it was apparent that Romeo was miserable because the love he felt was not reciprocal. We are told this by Benvolio. He speaks of Romeo shutting himself away and becoming almost nocturnal. In the Globe this would not have been possible to show, it would have to have been substituted for a depressed tone of voice and, as already mentioned, body language that displayed a dejected Romeo.

Towards the end of the balcony scene the maturity of the couple, especially Juliet becomes clear. “What o’clock tomorrow shall I send thee?” Juliet is already planning the wedding and is taking control of their relationship. “And yet no further than a wanton’s bird.” This use of imagery is supporting the fact that Juliet is in control; if she whistles Romeo will come running. Nearing the end Juliet should begin to put real love sick emotion in her voice “Good night, good night. Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say ‘Good night’ till it be morrow.” To make this prose effective Juliet should clutch her hands by her heart and speak as though she will not see Romeo again.

To conclude, directing the ‘balcony scene’ in the Globe Theatre would be a testing objective. Without any lighting and very limited props the challenge becomes somewhat greater. Body language would play a massive role of portraying the characters emotions, as would the tone of one’s voice being appropriate to the conversation. Both these factors and more would need to be perfect in order recreate the scene in which Shakespeare had in mind when he wrote the play sum 400 years ago.

Callum Jolly