Radio and Juliet: Edgy twist on classic love tale

What do you get if you cross British rock band Radiohead with one of the 16th century’s greatest writers?

The answer is a psychological, surreal and electrifying new show from the West Australian Ballet that is being performed at the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre on Saturday night.

Set in modern times,Radio and Juliet picks up at the end of Shakespeare’s beloved play, with the star-crossed lover’s narrative twisted into a series of fragmented memories and what-ifs.

Dancer Alessio Scognamiglio, who portrays the character Lorenzo, told theTimes “it is a different version from the classic play, as there are six stories in one go.

“While we all know who Juliet is, for the other main characters it is a bit confusing as to who is who and it makes for a very intricate and cool production,” he said.

“You can’t really tell what is going on during the piece – it’s mysterious, but it makes the story clear by the end of it.”

Featuring 10 Radiohead songs, from the gloomy, slow sounds ofWe Suck Young Blood to the uplifting melodies ofMotion Picture Soundtrack, Scognamiglio said it is easy to tap into the deep emotion embedded in the production.

“It’s been very exciting combining Radiohead and Shakespeare as it’s so interesting to see how you can tell a story simply by putting music to it,” he said.

“I love Romeo and Juliet’s dance at the end, but I also like performing my solo, as it’s a slow piece and discusses a lot of emotions.

“When I dance I think about all the feelings mentioned in the song and that makes it really special.”

Choreographed by award-winning Slovenian dancer Edward Clug, the movements withinRadio and Juliet are said to be fast, sharp, edgy and erratic, mirroring Juliet’s fragmented state of mind, with Scognamiglio describing the style as “liberating”.

“All of us dancers tend towards a contemporary groove as it is more fluid and there are not as many set steps, so you can make movement in a different way, starting differently and ending differently.”

Despite packing out the house with their performances, Scognamiglio says the best bit about performing the production has been seeing the growing trend in young people attending what is normally considered a traditional art.

“The audiences have loved it so far, it has been a full house most nights and everyone cheers and claps at the end,” he said.

“But most of all it’s really nice to see all the younger people that have been coming to the show and getting to see ballet.”

Tickets are available online from Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre’s website, by calling 1300 661 272, or in person at the box office.

Go to www.swtimes.com.au for this week’s movie review on Bridget Jones’s Baby.