Revamped Romeo and Juliet debuts at the State Theatre Centre

A bold new production of Romeo and Juliet is poised to take over the State Theatre Centre next week, performed by WAAPA‘s Third Year Acting Students.

The modern take on the play is set to be a bold departure from tradition, debuting at the State Theatre Centre from Friday, June 12, to Wednesday, June 17.

Director Tom Healey explained that “this production of Romeo and Juliet contains no tights, sword fights or codpieces. It is for a 21st-century audience—sophisticated in taste, contemporary in approach, and fearless in intensity.”

He spoke further of the play’s relevance in modern times, saying that “Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy because, in a world dominated by reactionary conservatives, where bullies run the streets and life is contingent on family loyalty, no spontaneous, free and intuitive love can survive.”

Set against a divided and conservative world, this reimagining poses urgent questions about the values we pass on to the next generation, including “How do we build a world where love is stronger than hate?”

Romeo and Juliet opens at the State Theatre Centre on Friday, June 12, running until Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Tickets are on sale now at artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au