Romeo and Juliet in Baghdad, a modern adaptation of the classic Shakespeare tragedy, will be performed at Katara for four nights next week. 

Written by Monadhil Daood and performed by the Iraqi Theatre Company, the production will be performed in Arabic with English subtitles projected onto a screen.

The famous story of two star-crossed lovers is transposed into modern-day Iraq, where the duo is divided not just by family, but by religious sects. Making good use of Iraqi poetry, music and ritual and with bomb blasts as a backdrop, it sounds like a must-see.

The play was commissioned for the World Shakespeare Festival as part of London’s Olympic celebrations.

Romeo and Juliet in Baghdad will run from Sunday, Sept. 30 until Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 8pm at the Katara Drama Theatre Building 16. 

Tickets are available at Virgin Megastore, as well as online at www.virginmegastore.me.

Credit: Photos courtesy of Katara