This film is an adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

Dialogue extract

JULIET: Parting is such sweet sorrow.

TROMEO: Yeah, totally sucks!

TRASHY SHAKESPEARE

Lesbianism, explicit sex, grotesque bodies: we’re not in Kansas, or Verona (or Baz Luhrmann’s Verona Beach), anymore! This is a tongue(s)-in-cheek(s), slightly depraved, and highly erotic take on Shakespeare’s classic romance.

Porn-parody, or Shakespeare-parody? If you can stomach it, you decide!

THE PLOT, SET IN MODERN-DAY MANHATTAN

Set in modern-day Manhattan, the film begins with the narrator (Lemmy of Motörhead) introducing two families: the Capulets and the Ques.

At the center of these families is Tromeo Que and Juliet Capulet. Tromeo lives in squalor with his alcoholic father Monty and works at a tattoo parlor with his cousin Benny and friend Murray. Juliet is sequestered in her family’s mansion, watched over by her abusive father Cappy, passive mother Ingrid, and overprotective cousin Tyrone, all the while being sexually satisfied by family servant Ness (Debbie Rochon).

Both Tromeo and Juliet are trapped in cases of unrequited love: Tromeo lusts for the big-bosomed promiscuous Rosie; Juliet is engaged to wealthy meat tycoon London Arbuckle as prelude to an arranged marriage…

WATCH THIS

This is a 2.30 min interview with director Lloyd Kaufmann about Tromeo and Juliet, including with extracts of the film.

It gives a good idea of what the film is like (you might want to watch it to decide whether it's a film for you or not!):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWaCjYVDCLM

Film programmed as part of our

ALTERNATIVE SHAKESPEARE FILM FESTIVAL (17 June - 5 Juy)

Given upcoming events this summer celebrating Shakespeare, let’s remember that despite these official, establishment celebrations of the writer (and what he represents), Shakespeare also thrives in stranger, alternative forms. Do these rarely-screened films from around the world show The Bard meaning more than he bargained for?

5 films from around the world

Here is a selection of 5 excellent lesser-known, surprising and rarely screened film adaptations of his work. The films all come from different countries: the UK, Japan, the USA, the Soviet Union, and one film is technically British but is set in Madagascar.

Organised with lecturers from Northumbria University + Discussions

This festival was programmed by the Star and Shadow Cinema and lecturers in English literature from Northumbria University. All screenings will be introduced by literature lecturers, specialists of Shakespeare, and will be followed by discussions with the audience.

Formats + Special screening

4 out of 5 of the films will be shown on 35mm – the most beautiful projection format, which is now disappearing from most cinemas. Also, on Sat 23 June, the film Makibefo will be shown in the presence of the director, Alexander Abela, who will introduce and discuss his film with the audience.

Tickets

£5 / £3.50 (conc) on the night

OR

£4.50 / £3 (conc) advance tickets here https://www.wegottickets.com/f/4640