Bringing back Juliet & Romeo
Hear from our very own Romeo and Juliet, Kip Johnson and Solène Weinachter.
Exciting times Kip! You’re finally getting the chance to premiere your Romeo in Lost Dog’s Juliet & Romeo. What are you most looking forward to about the shows in November?
KIP JOHNSON: Well, you could say it’s unfinished business. I was just about to step out as the new Romeo last March, then the universe had other plans. So I’m looking forward to simply getting my take on Romeo out there and to have the chance to respond to the audience as they play an important part in the flow of the work and how I refine Romeo for future performances.
Tell us about Romeo – how would you describe him and what do you like about him?
KIP JOHNSON: He both hilariously and tragically fails to meet people’s expectation of the typical Di Caprio or Shakespearean type of Romeo. He stumbles and bumbles Romeo into the modern day ‘man’ with calamitous charm.
And what does your Romeo think of Solène’s Juliet?
KIP JOHNSON: Romeo thinks Solene’s Juliet is a force to be reckoned with and most of the time he’s seeking the path of least resistance whilst Juliet’s forcing him up melodramatic mountains. The love is there for Juliet but it’s buried under petty fights and mundane daily motions. Juliet is on the hunt for that teenage spark, going into all corners of nostalgia and pulling Romeo along with her whether he likes it or not.
You’re experienced in productions that combine text and movement – what’s different about Juliet & Romeo?
KIP JOHNSON: This is the first time I have been in a duet during my 12 years dancing. I say this as it feels like a different beast compared to group or solo work. You are locked in together on this one-hour ride.
I find this intensity really helps the intention of delivering text and how it sits alongside movement.
And finally, what are the 3 things you couldn’t live without when you go on tour.
KIP JOHNSON: Headphones - to have a good dance about before the show.
Whittling tools - I like to have a little woodwork project on the go.
Vitamin D - especially in November
Exciting times! Solène - you’re back on stage in November as Juliet (photo left by Jane Hobson) in Lost Dog’s award-winning Juliet & Romeo. Firstly, tell us 3 things you’re most looking forward to about the UK shows.
SOLENE WEINACHTER: Train rides; meeting audiences; hanging out with my Lost Dog friends I have not seen in almost two years!
How is Juliet – has she changed much or at all since you first performed the role at The Place in 2018?
SOLENE WEINACHTER: She has and she hasn’t. She is still obsessed with death and unrealistic love stories. But as the show got performed over 86 times, I found different aspects of her personality in moments that allows her to be more three dimensional, or less predictable from what we culturally expect from a white middle class woman and mother.
What do you like most about Juliet?
SOLENE WEINACHTER: She is passionate. She loves Romeo and is utterly committed to their relationship. She has a good sense of humour.
And you have a new Romeo! How’s it going with Kip Johnson and how different is it from working with Ben?
SOLENE WEINACHTER: I do! Kip is brilliant. He’s taken total ownership of the role and it is a pleasure to discover his version of Romeo. I anticipate Juliet changing a bit in his company. What’s different from working with Ben is that I do not know yet what’s Kip’s Romeo. So I look forward to getting to know this version of the show.
In your experience what is it about Juliet & Romeo that appeals most to such a wide audience?
SOLENE WEINACHTER: We all have a bit of them both in our own lives.
And finally, what are the 3 things you take with you on tour in the UK?
SOLENE WEINACHTER: My mini-comb for my mini-fringe; a hot water bottle; a picture of Leonardo Di Caprio