Romeo in a hoodie: Limerick version sets stage for debate

A blood-soaked adaptation of Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet looks set to spark controversy in Limerick.

A blood-soaked adaptation of Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet looks set to spark controversy in Limerick.

The violent Limerick gang feud, which has claimed four lives in recent years, provides the backdrop for Limerick Youth Theatre's take on the classic love story, opening on August 23rd.

The cast displays a frightening arsenal of weapons for the street fighting scenes, including knives, machetes, swords, pool cues and crowbars. The actors, who range from 15 to 19, sport "bling" jewellery, hoodies and baseball caps.

Director Ciarda Tobin conceded that the production would court controversy but would also provide a forum for debate.

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"For too long in Limerick we have placed a lot of focus on negative aspects of life in the city without ever tackling them head-on. The story of young people caught in the crossfire of a violent feud has a particular resonance with Limerick people and we want to get the debate going."