Synopsis
PROLOGUE.
(Verona, 15th Century) A chorus introduces the story of the endless feud between the Montague and Capulet families, and of the love between their children, Roméo and Juliette.
ACT I. (The Capulet palace) Tybalt waits for his cousin Juliette and assures her suitor, Count Paris, that her beauty will overwhelm him. Capulet presents his daughter to the guests and invites them to dance. The crowd disperses and Roméo, a Montague, enters with his friends Mercutio and Benvolio. He tells them about a strange dream he has had, but Mercutio dismisses it as the work of the fairy Queen Mab (“Mab, reine des mensonges”). Roméo sees Juliette and is instantly entranced with her. When Roméo approaches her, both feel that they are meant for each other. Just as they discover each other’s identity, Tybalt returns. Roméo masks himself and rushes off. Tybalt identifies the intruder as Montague’s son, but Capulet restrains him, ordering the party to continue.
ACT II. (Outside Juliette's balcony) Later that night, Roméo enters the Capulets’ garden, looking for Juliette (“Ah! lève-toi, soleil!”). When she steps out onto her balcony, he comes forward and declares his love. Juliettes nurse, Gertrude, briefly interrupts their encounter. Alone again, they vow to marry.
ACT III. (Friar Laurence’s cell) Roméo arrives at daybreak, followed by Juliette and her nurse. Convinced of the strength of their love, the priest agrees to marry them, hoping that the union will end the fighting between their families.
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