William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet

Romeo & Juliet Brings Shakespeare’s Star-Crossed Lovers to Postwar Italy William Shakespeare’s famous tale of star-crossed love steps into a world of big bands, budding rock ’n’ roll, family rivalries, and postwar change when California State University Department of Theatre Arts presents Romeo & Juliet , running November 13–22, 2026 . Directed by Dr. Terry Donovan Smith, this production is set in a world caught between eras: old traditions still hold tremendous power, while a younger generation is beginning to hear—and move to—a very different rhythm. Though Romeo and Juliet is remembered as one of Shakespeare’s great tragedies, it is also filled with wit, teasing, flirtation, youthful bravado, outrageous friends, exasperated adults, and the exhilarating recklessness of first love. Romeo and Juliet will be the first full production to take the stage in the ALL-NEW Performing Arts Center , running November 13–22, 2026.