A bilingual production is a show that is performed in two languages. In this bilingual production of Romeo a Juliet, the play will be performed in Welsh (Cymraeg) and English.

Romeo a Juliet is presented by the Welsh-language National Theatre, Theatr Cymru – in association with Shakespeare’s Globe. Founded in 2003, Theatr Cymru is an acclaimed touring theatre company, placing Wales, its language and its people on the map. You can find more information about Theatr Cymru on the company’s website: www.theatr.cymru.

The Montagues will speak predominantly Welsh with the Capulets speaking English: some scenes will be performed in Welsh and some scenes will be performed in English. Some scenes will contain the use of both languages, reflecting the fluidity of languages used in modern Wales.

We encourage you to experience the play as it is performed, with the interplay of languages bringing a new layer of meaning to Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy. A free scene synopsis print out will be available at the theatre.

However, if you would like a line-by-line translation, Theatr Cymru’s Sibrwd app will be available – there is more information below.

There will not be caption units/screens for this production. Captions can only be accessed on your smartphone by using the Sibrwd app (see below).

There’ll be a relaxed performance on Saturday 8 November at 2.00pm. There are no AD or BSL performances.

The Sibrwd app will offer a choice between closed captions in English or closed captions in Welsh on your smartphone screen (closed captions mean that you’re able to follow line-by-line). The app is cued live during the performance as an access tool for those who require captions. The app will need to be downloaded onto your smartphone (see below).

It allows audiences to experience live translation of Welsh so they can gain a better appreciation of this beautiful language, perhaps for the first time.

You can use the Sibrwd app on any smart device.

We encourage audiences to immerse themselves in this bilingual production and embrace the spirit of the performance without captions, choosing to sit with the interplay of language (with the knowledge that they may not literally understand sections in Welsh).

However, if you choose to use the app, you’ll be able to follow on line-by-line (as outlined above).

We ask that you keep screen brightness to a minimum level, and put your device on ‘Do Not Disturb’ for all other purposes other than using the app.

The app is available via the App Store and Google Play Store. We encourage you to download the app before arriving at the venue. Please ensure that your device is on the most up-to-date version of iOS or equivalent.

When you arrive:

• Arrive in plenty of time in case you need any support on how to use the app. We will have a Sibrwd table near the Ticket Office available.
• You will need Shakespeare’s Globe’s Wi-Fi details – they will be available at the Sibrwd table in the foyer. Or you can use your own mobile data.
• Open the app before going into the auditorium and scan the QR code to ensure that it is working. The QR code can be found in the show programme, which is available free of charge from the Ticket Office. The Sibrwd app will ask for permission to gain access to your camera, and you will need to show the code to the camera. You can also choose to enter the written code provided, if preferred.
• Remember to set your phone to ‘Do Not Disturb’.
• You are now ready to use Sibrwd! When the performance starts, load the app and follow the on-screen instructions.

Yes, we’ll have a help desk in the foyer to support with the app.

The background screen will be black and the colour of the font will be yellow and white. You’ll be able to adjust the size of the text when using the app.