Play description

Act I

Scene 1. In Verona, the "ancient grudge" between the Montague and Capulet families erupts in a

brawl. Prince Escalus decrees that any further violence will be punishable by death. Romeo, the son of

Lord Montague, was not involved in the disturbance; he is unrequitedly in love with Rosaline.

Scene 2. Capulet gives young Paris permission to woo his daughter, Juliet, and sends a servant out

with a guest list for the ball he is holding that night. The servant is intercepted by Romeo, who learns

that Rosaline is to be among the guests. Romeo is persuaded by his friends Benvolio and Mercutio to

attend the ball.

Scene 3. When Lady Capulet finally manages to interrupt the reminiscences of Juliet's garrulous

Nurse, she tells her daughter of the proposed match with Paris.

Scene 4. Romeo, Benvolio, and Mercutio set out for the Capulet ball; all are masked. The mischievous

Mercutio teases lovelorn Romeo. Romeo has a feeling of misgiving about the evening ahead.

Scene 5. At the ball, Romeo and Juliet fall in love; each is appalled to learn the identity of the other.

Juliet's cousin Tybalt realizes who the masked interloper is; he is only restrained from challenging

Romeo by Capulet, who will not let him harm a guest.