Tasneem Adams20 January 2024 | 10:38

Romeo and Juliet comes to Maynardville Theatre

Sara-Jayne is joined by actors Simone Neethling and Nahum Hughes who star as Romeo and Juliet in the forthcoming production of the Shakespearean classic at Maynardville Open Air Theatre.

Romeo and Juliet comes to Maynardville Theatre

Simone Neethling and Nahum Hughes star as Romeo and Juliet Photo: Supplied

Romeo and Juliet are arguably the most famous star-crossed lovers in fictional history - an iconic love story that captures imaginations across generations. 


Well, if you're a lover of William Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, be prepared to transport yourself into their world at the Maynardville Open Air Theatre. 


Set, in the vibrant and tumultuous city of Verona, two teenagers become entangled in a passionate and forbidden romance that defies the bitter enmity between their feuding.


The Shakespearean classic opens this week, with Simone Neethling and Nahum Hughes as the two leads. 

"I've always had a passion for Shakespeare. I did Shakespeare in high school and was always itching to read. I love that we're able to convey an entire story to an audience in a foreign language...it's amazing." 
-Simone Neethling, lead actress

Both actors agree that taking on this role has been a journey that allowed them to truly tap into themselves as thespians.

"So often you're discovering new meanings, new metaphors and new feelings laid out by Shakespeare. There's a constant discovery in the language of the play."
- Nahum Hughes, lead actor
"It feels like you're constantly on your feet. Nothing ever stays the same." 
-Simone Neethling, lead actress
"The words are there. And we as actors just have to trust the words, which is not easy. But as soon as you start to unpack the language, it becomes any text you have to perform." 
-Simone Neethling, lead actress

And if you're a John Maytham fan, you can also catch him in the production! 

The cast hope that the adaptation of the story will cross the cultural divide and appeal to the younger generation.

"We're contemporizing this play and bringing a younger audience into Maynardville so that the new generation of theatre-goers will sustain the theatre and arts sector for years to come."
 -Nahum Hughes, lead actor

To book tickets, visit quicket.co.za

Scroll up to listen to the conversation