Romeo and Juliet: Shakespeare's Greatest Love Story

Q: When was Romeo and Juliet written?

Romeo and Juliet was written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1591 and 1596 and was first published in print in 1597.

Q: What were Shakespeare's sources for Romeo and Juliet?

Shakespeare's main source for his tragedy 'Romeo and Juliet' (1597) was a dramatic poem by Arthur Brooke entitled 'The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet' (1562). Shakespeare made certain changes to the source material, including expanding the roles of certain characters and shortening the story's time frame from nine months to five days.

Q: Who were the first actors to play Romeo and Juliet?

Romeo and Juliet was likely first performed by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, the acting company with which Shakespeare wrote and acted. The part of Romeo was probably first played by Richard Burbage, the company's leading tragedian, while a boy, Robert Goffe, first played Juliet; the first woman to play Juliet was Mary Saunderson in 1662.

Harrison W. Mark

Romeo and Juliet

Shakespeare's Greatest Love Story

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Definition

Romeo and Juliet is a romantic tragedy written by William Shakespeare. First printed in 1597, it remains one of the most famous works of Western literature and – alongside Hamlet – is one of Shakespeare's most oft-performed plays. The play deals with themes of young love, family, intergenerational conflict, and fate and follows the doomed romance of two star-crossed lovers.

More about: Romeo and Juliet

Timeline

29 Jan 1595
Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" is believed to have premiered, most likely at The Theater of London. The play is among the most popular of Shakespeare's works and the one most often performed today by regional and community theater companies.
1597
Romeo and Juliet is first published in print; it has already been performed publicly 'with great applause' .

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