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Synopsis
ACT I
Scene I - A Square in Verona, around the year 1400. Daybreak.
The feud between the city's two powerful families, the Capulets and the Montagues, flares up once more amidst the peaceful citizens. The Duke of Verona puts an end to the fighting and forbids further hostilities at peril of banishment.
Scene II - The Inner Courtyard at the Capulet Palace.
Juliet is teasing her nurse, who tries to explain to her that she is a child no longer. She is introduced to the rich count, Paris, who wants her for his wife.
Scene III - At the Gate to the Palace.
Arrival of the guests at the ball in honour of Juliet's engagement to Count Paris. Romeo, Mercutio and Benvolio resolve to disguise themselves, and enter the house of the enemy.
Scene IV - The Ball at the House of Capulet.
Among a multitude of guests, Juliet meets Romeo. As love awakens in her, she realizes that her feelings toward Paris are untrue. Tybalt, recognizing his enemy Romeo, unmasks him. Juliet becomes aware that her untroubled childhood is over.
Scene V - The Garden at the Capulet Palace.
Deep in thought, Juliet lingers at her balcony. She discovers Romeo, who awaits her, hidden in the shadows of the garden. They both feel that their love for each other is pure and strong enough for them to face any dangers.
ACT II
Scene I - The Square. Afternoon.
The people are celebrating a saint's day, with processions and dancing. When Romeo appears, Mercutio and Benvolio are disappointed at his abstracted mood. The nurse delivers a letter to Romeo in which Juliet agrees to secretly marry him at the chapel of her confessional priest, Friar Laurentius.
Scene II - Friar Lauentius' Chapel.
Romeo persuades Laurentius to wed him to Juliet. After the marriage ceremony, Juliet must return without Romeo to her parents’ home.
Scene III - The Square. Evening.
The merrymaking of the townspeople reaches a climax. Tybalt, seeking revenge for Romeo's intrusion upon the ball, quarrels with Mercutio. Romeo, who through his marriage is now a kin to Tybalt, tries to withhold him from the fight. Tybalt, however, kills Mercutio. Mad with fury about the loss of his friend, Romeo stabs Tybalt.
ACT III
Scene I - Juliet's Bedroom.
Romeo, banned from Verona for killing Tybalt, has spent the wedding night with Juliet. At dawn he flees the town. Juliet's parents have decided to marry Juliet to Paris as soon as possible. Juliet desperately tries to change their minds. At night she leaves the house to beg Friar Laurentius for advice and help.
Scene II - Night.
On her way to Friar Laurentius' chapel, Juliet encounters the ghosts of Mercutio and Tybalt. Fate casts its inevitable shadows ahead.
Scene III - Friar Laurentius' Chapel
Friar Laurentius gives Juliet a potion. He tells her it will make her appear dead. After the funeral she will wake up in the family tomb from which Romeo, warned by Friar Laurentius, shall free her.
Scene IV - Juliet's Bedroom.
Coming home, Juliet pretends to agree to her marriage with Paris. When she is left alone, she swallows the potion and falls lifeless on her bed. On the morning of her marriage to Paris, Juliet is found, seemingly dead.
Scene V - The Tomb of the Capulets.
Romeo, not having received Friar Laurentius' message, has come back secretly to Verona. Believing Juliet is dead, he kills himself in despair. Juliet wakes up and finds her beloved one. She follows Romeo to a life where no one can part them.
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