When Synetic's Romeo and Juliet Left Us Speechless - literally

Synetic Theater specializes in "worldless Shakespeare." Their unique combination of dance, mime, storytellng and spectacular special effects have been wowing D.C. area audiences for years. These 90 minute, intermission-less performances are mesmerizing (and super affordable!) This performance began with the actor playing Friar Lawrence walking on stage in total silence, regarding the audience for a full minute. That's an eternity in stage time. But in that time a spell was cast. The audience moved from our normal mode: partly focused on our phones, partly focused on a conversation from lunch, partly worrying and thinking about a thousand other things-- to a state of being totally rivited. Friar Lawrence pushed the giant pendulum that hung upstage center and set in motion the events of the play (which all took place inside a giant clock.)

Last night we all hopped in the buses and went to the Synetic Theatre in Crystal City. On the way there, the Meg Bus was --as the young folk say it these days-- 'lit' as we jammed out to some mid 2000's tunes. Once we arrived we sat down ready to impressed by the brilliant Synetic cast. They certainly did not dissapoint in ther silent movement rendition of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. These talented artists amazed us through their use of movement and facial expression. This was all supported by a brilliant tech crew that produced some pretty awesome stage and lighting designs that made Shakespeare's tragedy into a visual masterpeice.

I'm sure I can speak for the whole Mainstage company by stating that this was an brilliant start to our SETC journey.