The Madhouse in Mantua was created by Kevin Kaine, who was also the main character in the play. This play took place in the very small and isolated Trilogy Theater in the heart of theatrical productions Time Square. I viewed the play on October 11th 2003 at 8:00pm. The reason this play grabbed my attention far more beyond the rest is because of the description that was presented to me via internet. Everyone, once in their lifetime must have come across Romeo and Juliet and enjoyed the play. The Madhouse in Mantua, which is also known as Romeo’s Magical Dream, is what some may call a part two to the play. Romeo is banished from Verona after an attempted suicide and placed under care. What happens to Romeo while locked up is something that the play will have to unravel.
It is known that many productions are interpreted and therefore performed in different ways. There are lots of key elements that can conclude weather a play is going to be a success or not. The actual location o
The room was completely painted black, I felt as the performance was going along that I was part of it since Kevin continuously made eye contact during his many monologues. The set contained what was supposed to be a bed, but was extremely evident that it was a bench. There was also a door in which Romeo was fed his meals while in the madhouse. These are the only two props that were used for the setting. I feel as if the setting was not at all giving the viewers a sense that Romeo was in a madhouse. I believe that there would be more a sense of the madhouse if all the walls where to have been painted white on what was the stage. When I think of a madhouse, I think of white walls.
The play ran for approximately 55 minutes which I feel was not enough time to capture Romeos true essence for the loss of Juliet. The play seemed to be rushed and not very understandable. Romeo was crazy it’s a given fact but I wanted the actor to show why Romeo was crazy and actually make me sympat