Production

R&J in Ath 2

Athenaeum Theatre • Thursday, 7 May 2026 – Wednesday, 13 May 2026

New From $25 Season 2026

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About this production

Graduate Players’ Romeo and Juliet is a short, sharp, ultra-modern take on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. In today’s world, the disconnect between families, friends, and loved ones continues to grow as technology replaces genuine human interaction. At its heart, Romeo and Juliet is a story about the desperate need for human connection, one that is ultimately destroyed by miscommunication, prejudice, and misunderstanding. It is a tragedy in its truest form.

Our production will be ensemble driven and highly physical in its presentation, with the cast creating the world of the play rather than relying heavily on traditional set pieces.

Communication breakdown affects us all. This modern reimagining draws out the play’s themes of fractured relationships, failed personal and family connections, prejudice, and devastating misunderstandings. As artificial intelligence and digital communication reshape how we interact, relationships can become increasingly impersonal and, at times, beyond our control.

Set in a gritty, contemporary world not unlike our own, the production embraces a raw, physical theatrical style, with the ensemble shaping the environment and atmosphere of the story in a dynamic and immediate way.

Run time

80 Mins

Venue

Athenaeum Theatre

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May 2026

MTWTFSS

Thu

7 May 2026

$25

7:30 PM

Fri

8 May 2026

$25

7:30 PM

Sat

9 May 2026

$25

2:00 PM

Wed

13 May 2026

$25

7:30 PM

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Ticket Exchanges

You can exchange your tickets up to 3 hours prior to the performance time.

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FAQ

Are there chairs to sit on?

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For Family Theatre Performances; Chairs are not supplied either by the Production Company or Venue; however you are welcome to bring your own picnic/camping chairs.

If you bring a chair elevated more than 15cm off the grass, please sit towards the back so you do not obstruct the view of other patrons. Staff on site will be able to assist you.

For Shakespeare and Under the Stars Performances; Low-rise and standard height chairs are available for hire from our box office for $5 each at Shakespeare Under The Stars performances (subject to availability). Hire chairs cannot be arranged and paid for in advance. Hire chairs are not available at our family theatre productions.

The show is listed as Fully Booked, does this mean it is sold out?

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If a show is 'Fully Booked' this means there are no more tickets available, however more allocation may sometimes become available closer to the performance date if other patrons exchange their tickets.

Some performances may have a waitlist available which will be accessible via the show information page. We encourage guests to sign up so we can let you know when more tickets are released.

How do I request a date change?

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Ticket exchanges are sometimes necessary for our patrons due to weather conditions, family illness or unexpected emergencies. You can exchange tickets for another performance date, subject to availability (conditions apply). If a performance is cancelled due to weather, you are eligible for a lifetime credit note for the face value of your tickets. This is valid for any ASC production in Australia.

For MAINSTAGE performances, all exchanges must be made 3 hours prior to the performance start time.

For FAMILY THEATRE performances, all exchanges must be made 1 hour prior to the performance start time.

How will I be notified of a cancelled show due to bad weather?

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If a performance is to be cancelled, patrons will be notified via a text message and an email. We will also display a cancellation notice on the home page of our website.

Earliest notification of a cancelled performance will be on-the-day-of the scheduled performance and in some circumstances, may be within an hour of the scheduled start time.

Where do I collect lost property?

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If you have lost an item at one of our shows please call (03) 8676 7511 or email boxoffice@shakespeareaustralia.com.au.

If you find an item, please pass it onto one of our team members so it can be reunited with its owner.

Can I meet and greet the performers after the show?

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Meet-and-greets are typically reserved for important requests, such as for children with unique needs, and are subject to performer health, schedule, and weather/venue conditions.

Even when pre-arranged, unforeseen circumstances may require us to adjust or cancel them at short notice. If you’d like to request a meet-and-greet, please reach out in advance and we will do our best to accommodate.

What does it mean when a performance says “allocation exhausted”?

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Allocation exhausted means that there are currently no tickets available for this event. More tickets may be released, but this is not guaranteed. If you are looking for a single extra ticket, please contact our Box Office on 03 8676 7511.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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Earliest notification of a cancelled performance will be on the day of the performance. Performances usually proceed in light drizzle, but cancellations do occur when needed.

If a performance is cancelled, patrons will be notified via text message and email.

Guests will be able to exchange their tickets for another night, or receive a credit note for future ASC performances.

Where can I buy tickets?

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Our primary location for ticket sales is via our website.

Alternatively, you may use our secondary ticketing partners: Ticketmaster, TodayTix and Halftix.

Onsite Box Office Sales are also permitted on arrival, (subject to availability).

Please note, Viagogo is not a legitimate ticket seller for any ASC events.

What is a Companion Card Ticket?

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This ticket is for carers and support works with a valid Companion Card.

This card is for people with significant and permanent disability who have a lifelong need for a high level of support to participate in community events and activities.

The card allows a person’s carer free entry into participating venues and events.

Companion Cards are part of a nationally run program that aims to promote a person’s right to fair ticketing and to make community access and participation more accessible and affordable.

When purchasing a Companion Ticket, please remember to bring your companion card with you so our box office team may sight it on arrival. If you are not able to provide a valid companion card, you may be asked to upgrade your ticket to a different price type.

What time does the performance start?

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The performance start time is the marked time on your ticket and booking confirmation; it is not the venue opening time.

Photos & Filming

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You are allowed to take photos of the stage, as well as with your family and friends before the show. However, no photos or video are permitted during the performance.

Can I smoke onsite?

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Our audience areas are smoke-free, especially at our family shows. Each venue has a different policy on smoking. Check out the venue information pages to know more.

Why do weather cancellations happen last minute?

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We cannot gather accurate and up to date weather data from the Bureau of Meteorology until approximately 2 hours prior to the start of each show.

We closely monitor rain maps and radars to assess whether or not the predicted forecast will eventuate as planned, be delayed, change directions or disperse.

The current El Nino pattern adds another layer of complexity to assess for cancellations. It means that sudden weather changes are more likely and thus, advance warning for some weather events has been compromised.

In the event of a cancellation, customers will be notified by a text message and an email, and a public notice will be placed on the home page of the website.

Can I bring my dog?

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Dogs are not allowed at performances of mainstage or family theatre shows. However, service animals are always welcome.

What time does the venue open?

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For Mainstage Under The Stars Performances

The gates to the performance area open 2 hours prior to the start of the show.

For Outdoor Family Theatre Performances

The performance area opens 1 hour prior to the performance.

How do I get there?

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Each venue has its own information page with maps, directions, transport and other general information. You may find this page on the show page by clicking the button labeled "Venue Information."

Do you accept Companion Card?

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The Australian Shakespeare Company is pleased to support the Companion Card program. You may purchase one Companion Card ticket during the regular booking process.

If you require additional Companion Card tickets, please contact the box office directly on 03 8676 7511.

Please ensure to bring your valid companion card with you on the date of the performance.

I have a question regarding accessibility

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We are here to help you and make the most of your experience, so please let us know your individual requirements when booking. You can contact us on 03 8676 7511 or email boxoffice@shakespeareaustralia.com.au.

Please note, all performances take place on grass.

Venue

Athenaeum Theatre

188 Collins St Melbourne CBD VIC

Venue info

Patrons enquiring about wheelchair seating should phone the theatre direct on 9650 1500. Disabled toilets are installed. Patrons with mobility problems are advised to purchase tickets in the stalls. There are stairs to all levels. A baby in arms policy operates at the discretion of the hirer, any child occupying a seat must purchase a ticket.

Phone: 0386767511 • Email: boxoffice@shakespeareaustralia.com.au

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