Romeo N Juliet 4EVA at The Ritzy | A Recap

The Brixton Ritzy screening of Romeo N Juliet 4EVA in collaboration with Firefly Films and Jacaranda Books was well attended and well received, with the evening’s Shakespearean theme very much in evidence.

Phillip J Morris, artistic director of Trybe House Theatre, joined the film’s director Paul Bucknor and Jacaranda author Brenda Garrick on the post screening Q&A panel. Rather appropriately, Morris recently directed the RSC’s First Encounters touring version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, while Garrick’s debut offering Jamekespeare, reimagined Shakespeare with a Caribbean twist and was part of the publisher’s groundbreaking Twentyin2020 project.

Also in the house was esteemed actor Steve Toussaint (aka Lord Corlys Velaryon in the HBO’s award-winning fantasy drama series, House of the Dragon). He previously cut his acting chops as a member of the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company playing roles in Macbeth and The Merchant of Venice. Also present was Darren Raymond, artistic director of Intermission Youth Theatre, whose adaptations of Shakespeare’s works have earned his productions and enviable reputation. Darren is a former actor who performed in the RSC’s The Tempest.

Also in attendance was Sandie Okoro, a Governor of the Royal Shakespeare Company, the first female Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, and a huge champion of Paul’s film.