In its upcoming Spring production, Breaking Wave Theatre Company is reimagining Romeo and Juliet. Directed by Joyce Torres who also plays Lady Capulet, the adaptation features a modern verse translation by Hansol Jung, weaving in the island’s rich diversity.

“When people come to see the show they are going to see we turn the streets of Verona into “Verona,” pronounced like Yona and it's gonna feel like home. It's going to feel like Guam. You're gonna hear CHamoru, Tagalog, Chuukese, you're gonna see queer folk, transgender folk, all different types of people and we're using Guam as our lens to tell the story time and time again,” said Torres. 

With original music, vibrant choreography, and a fresh take on Shakespeare's words, the production isn’t just about star-crossed lovers, it’s about identity, culture, and reclaiming narratives through the arts.

“It has become a very community based show which is really great because it's a community based story we want to tell,” added Torres.

This version of Romeo and Juliet is speaking to a whole new generation. Playing Romeo is Ari Chaco and playing Juliet is Lola Aguon.

“When I first went to audition I just knew it was going to be Shakespeare,and I love Shakespeare. So I was excited to do a classic. and then I got a little more information about what version and I got even more excited. It's a great time and place for us to do a place like this and I'm really happy we get to be a part of it,” said Chaco. 

For me it was, if you look at the political climate, I just wanted to be the representation that I needed as a child, and that was really important to me, and the second  found out that this is the version we were doing, I was like, I need to be a part of it somehow, some way,” added Aguon.  

Catch Romeo and Juliet from March 6 to March 8 and March 13 to March 15 at 7 p.m. at the Agana Shopping Center Expo Hall.

"I think even though Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy, I think there is so much comedy and romance  and such is life. I think especially the climate of the world, I just think it's so nice to see ourselves and the diversity in these spaces, inclusion in these spaces, and to show even in our grief and our sadness, there are places and ways for us to come together. I hope when they come together they see how powerful it is to see and to feel,” said Torres. 

Tickets will be $15 for general admission and $10 for students/seniors and can be purchased at www.bwtcguam.com. 

Tickets purchased at the door will be $20 for general admission and $15 for students/seniors. 

“It’s going to be a great opportunity to see live art here on the island,” said Chaco. 

“If you also feel like CHamorus doesn't belong in Shakespeare, we'd like to invite you to come see that we do. The cultures on Guam deserve a spot at the table. And this is one great way to see that. Come witness some magic,” added Aguon.