"How often do women get to play these roles? And more, how often do audiences get to see this?" Liliana Macarone on playing THE romantic hero in Qld Shakespeare Ensemble's 'Romeo & Juliet'.

The always exceptionally busy and talented Liliana Macarone took time out for a socially distanced ‘conversation’ with Catherine Lawrence for Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane. Liliana is playing Romeo (and is also a musician) in the Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble’s 20th Birthday season production of Romeo & Juliet.

As a core Member of the Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble (QSE), I can see that you have taken on a number of Shakespearean roles that are traditionally ‘male’ … I’m only sorry I missed you as Henry IV (in Henry IV Part I) and Orsino (in Twelfth Night). Is Romeo a role you have always had in your sights?

No, while there are many characters I’d love to play, the only roles I’ve ever really “had in my sights” are Beatrice (Much Ado) and Richard III.  And yet, there is much of me in Romeo—he just lives to greater extremes! 

In Shakespeare, where young men originally played all of the female roles, cross-gendered casting is not as unusual – and yes, I’ve played men before (that’s pretty standard with QSE) – but I do think Romeo is different in a number of important ways, not least of which, that he is iconic as the young, romantic leading man.  I think people would be more accepting of a female Richard III doing villainous things, than a female Romeo wooing a young girl. And this is surely the reason why I never expected the opportunity to play Romeo. Also, our culture tends to pigeon-hole full-bodied women (I am not physically boyish), and limit what women can play once they hit their 40s, which in my opinion really makes this representation significant.

It’s exhilarating to get to play the romantic hero – with all his freedom and agency – winning the girl and defying the stars!  How often do women get to play these roles? And more, how often do audiences get to see this?

Ten words (ish) you’d use to describe Romeo?

Romantic. Idealistic. Impetuous. Loyal. Strong-willed. A risk-taker. Loving. Vital. Rebellious.

So... tell me about your take on Romeo..

Well, it all comes from the language – that glorious text, full of giddy romance, passion, surprise and wonder, rage, and heartbreak.  Romeo is someone who is led by his soul – be it his heart or his gut instincts. When his heart is heavy, it stakes him to the ground; when in love, he soars with light wings!  He’s a little punk (complete with tattered leather jacket and a slightly goth look) and can be silly and crass with the boys, but is always sincere.  He loves fully.  And within him are echoes of my loves, my losses, my griefs, and my joys, and many of them easily manifest in this role. As I said earlier, there is much of me in him.

All images by Benjamin Prindable. Cover image features Liliana Macarone with Sarah Doyle.

I see that this is the first time QSE has programmed this highly popular Shakespearean play. And I am loving the design of the promotional material. What can you tell us about QSE’s take on Romeo & Juliet?

QSE’s productions always have a contemporary feel because the text is so accessible. What’s the vibe of this show? Well, the Capulets are old money (possibly oil), the Montagues are mercenaries (possibly “construction”), the fashions are retro-ish and punk, and the fights involve switch blades and short swords.  The tender-moments are fresh, with a number of cross-gendered roles (Romeo, Mercutio, and Capulet) highlighting the patriarchy at the core of these feuding families.  Plus, as an ensemble production, the cast work and train together all year and that camaraderie, that special chemistry manifests in the show.

 I’m sure it will be worth the wait. But any thoughts on why it’s taken 20 years for a QSE Romeo & Juliet?

I’m not really sure why QSE hasn’t produced R&J before (other than our Shakespeare's Shorts version that performs in schools and at festivals etc).  Each year the core ensemble gathers to decide on the following production, and for whatever reason over the last 20 years, the final choice has never been Romeo & Juliet until now.

As you are also a musician and songwriter, will Romeo woo Juliet with music and in song? Can you tell me what type of music the audience might expect?

Well, Romeo does woo (and is wooed by) Juliet with the incredible poetry of Shakespeare’s verse, which has a lovely musicality – but I don’t sing within the play 😊.   That said, I did write a couple of songs for this production (as I do every year) which will feature in the pre-show set performed by Maiden Blush (the QSE band, which is always named after a line from the play we are performing).  

The music is a real mix of both the influences of the three songwriters (myself, Rob Pensalfini and John Siggers) and the generic-aesthetics ascribed to the Capulets (think folk-ish) and Montagues (think punk-ish) that developed in rehearsal under the direction of our Music Director, Rob.  Of course, my compositions were written from Romeo’s perspective.  While ‘Hang Up Philosophy’ is young Romeo’s punk rebellion against the Friar and the establishment, ‘Heaven Is Here’ is a love song to Juliet that celebrates their precious moments.    

I am intrigued by the programming of a relaxed performance. It is great to see focus is on attracting a broad audience. What would you say to someone who has never been to see Romeo & Juliet? Why go to see this production?

This is the perfect introduction to Shakespeare: a classic love-story – thrilling, charming and shockingly tragic – crammed full of relatable characters, brought to you by an energetic ensemble with live-music, sword fights and a gorgeous location.

Relaxed Performances are an opportunity to welcome people who might enjoy a more relaxed performance environment, including (but not limited to) people with autism spectrum disorder or individuals with sensory sensitivity. The show is just as energetic, with slight technical adjustments that soften the sensory experience.  We come out and introduce ourselves pre-show and also provide a chill-out room for patrons.  It’s a fun show to do – the energy is often very playful.

And if someone has already seen Romeo & Juliet ‘once or twice’ before, why should they come to this production? (Apart from them getting to see you as Romeo, of course!)

QSE works with Shakespeare year-round, giving our shows a crackling clarity. The re-gendered casting brings a different, exciting energy (and representation for audience members who are not used to seeing themselves reflected in these roles), plus the mix of live-music, action, comedy, and heartbreaking tragedy make this a wild ride!

Liliana with Angus Thorburn. Image: Benjamin Prindable

Do you have a perfect audience member? Who is going to LOVE this event? 

Anyone who loves great storytelling, and a lovely night out!  As well as catching a fresh and vibrant version of this renowned play, there’s live-music pre-show and at interval, a coffee van for your interval snacks, and it’s all set in the beautiful Roma Street Parkland.  The atmosphere is pretty hard to beat!

Yes, what is it like to perform in Roma Street Parklands?

It’s a joy!  For many reasons.  Firstly, the park is such a beautiful location and performing in the open-air with the night sky and the odd sound of curlews is wonderfully atmospheric (a curlew crying at the death of Hotspur was a magical moment during Henry IV).  Secondly, the way our performance space is set up is unique, having the audience seated on the amphitheatre stage with us, we create a dynamic in-the-round feel, while the park serves as a majestic backdrop.  Our weekend regulars often come early to enjoy a picnic in the park before catching the band’s pre-show set and then settling in for a night of Shakespeare!  It’s pretty special.

The rehearsal pictures look as if you have all worked hard, but also had a lot of fun with this one.  What do you think the audience might expect to take away from the performance … or, perhaps, what sort of conversations would you like to overhear as people travel home ?

I hope that people are moved, that they are swept up in the story, surprised, entertained, and enthralled.  I expect the show will make them question the culture, attitudes and decisions that result in the tragic ending, and possibly recognise the parallels they see in their own lives.  I hope they leave feeling full, despite the sadness, and humming a tune 😉

Final question… I read your bio on the QSE website … actor, director, teaching artist, QSE core ensemble, regional education faculty, musician, songwriter, prison-arts practitioner….  How DO you fit everything in?! And what are you working on next?

It’s a challenge! Next, I’m delighted to be running a Youth Shakespeare Workshop with participants from Brisbane Youth Service.  This is one of QSE’s Shakespeare Beyond programmes and runs for 10 weeks, culminating in a sharing and an afternoon tea.

The Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble’s Romeo & Juliet plays Brisbane’s Roma Street Parklands from 26 August to 12 September, 2021. For tickets and more information, visit the QSE website.