Juliet reviewed by Frank Meccia

[rating=4]The “Y” Theatre is a true black box store front theatre. I knew I was in for a different type of performance when everybody is informed that no shoes are allowed inside the theatre. Slippers, socks and paper booties are provided. Seating is provided first to those with disabilities and elderly. When I walked in, it became apparent, the theatre is a box about 20 by 30 feet and imagine circles in that box. The first circle being the stage which is small about 6 by 20, then the second circle being the audience, which basically sit on a wooden semi-circle platforms about 6 inch from the floor, and the 3^{rd circle behind you is a red see threw curtain. When I walked in to find my place you have 3 woman each holding a baby, they range from about 3 months to 9 months, and the woman are talking in a whispered voice to the audience and the baby, and the babies are just being cute adorable and well behaved.}

Now, a little history about this theatre. The “Y” is a nonprofit members theatre. Founded by Melissa Lorraine this company is steeped in theatrical traditions of Eastern Europe, and with a long partnership with Romanian director Livia Culei, and works by Hungarian playwright Andras Visky. Before coming to their present location they use to perform to sold out crowds at the Greenhouse Theatre in Chicago.

This play is technically a solo play, but with the new edition they added the mothers and babies to drive home certain points thou they are always behind a see threw curtain during the performance.

Juliet stars Melissa Lorraine, who has taken this show to numerous Eastern Countries and around this Country also. So, the words are scorched into her soul. During parts of the play she is only inches from your face, and sometimes she sits right next to you on the floor. You can tell from her voice and eyes the pain she is feeling, a mother of seven children being forced from her home being put into a truck, watching the family dog shot, and then taken to an internment camp, or the trial of her husband, a minister in a fake government trial that led to his imprisonment. Second history lesion, after WW2, many Eastern Countries governments were in shambles, this led to new governments being formed, most embraced socialism, and now with people returning from camps in Russia from the war, Romania worried that the new Socialism in the Romanian Republic would be endangered from ethnic minorities especially in the Barragan region, that triangle where Hungary Serbia and Romania meet. Certain elements were considered “Risks” and over 30,000 were deported to camps modeled after the Russian Gulag camps.

Visky, who wrote this play lived in this camp with his mother and his six siblings, his other plays are based on his time in these camps, and as a poet and playwright.  He calls himself a ‘Barrack dramaturge”.

Juliet uses a combination of Shakespearean phrases, from Romeo and Juliet and her own thoughts and speeches from being in a camp. This 80-minute production is gut wrenching and yet beautiful all at the same time. This new version of Juliet is directed by Kevin Smith, and he has really created a wonderful work of art. I can see why it has been extended till March 8th. Theatre “Y” has started a new moment,

Since their beginning, they have believed in free theatre. Through sponsorship and members, they are able to pay their expenses and their ensemble members.

“Juliet “is running till March 8th

Friday and Saturday performances are at 7pm

Sunday at 4pm.

Theatre “Y” is located at 4546 N. Western Ave, Chicago for tickets call 773-908-2248.

Your name has to be on a list, these performances fill up fast considering this theatre only holds 38 people max.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click “Juliet”.