WASHINGTON, D.C. — The DC International Theatre Festival officially launched on July 2, 2025, with a dynamic opening night performance of Duel Reality, an acrobatic reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Staged at the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Harman Hall, the production blends circus arts, theater, and dance to depict the classic tale of two feuding families in a contemporary sporting arena.
Directed by Shana Carroll, co-founder and artistic director of the Montreal-based troupe The 7 Fingers (Les 7 Doigts de la main), Duel Reality features an international cast of acrobats and aerialists from over ten countries, including Argentina, Guatemala, Sweden, France, Spain, Canada, and Mexico. Originally created in collaboration with Virgin Voyages and commissioned by ArtsEmerson, the show has toured globally and now brings its high-flying theatrics to Washington, D.C., running through July 20.
The production reimagines the Montague-Capulet rivalry as a series of competitive acrobatic duels, with performers executing death-defying stunts and aerial feats that symbolize the intensity of the characters’ emotions and conflicts. The innovative staging and choreography have garnered praise from critics, with Edinburgh Festivals for Kids describing it as a “very slick, heart-stopping, awe-inspiring performance.”
The cast includes notable performers such as Gerardo Gutiérrez and Michelle Hernandez from Mexico City, who portray the titular star-crossed lovers. Their performances, along with those of their fellow international artists, bring a global perspective to the timeless narrative, emphasizing themes of love, rivalry, and reconciliation.
Duel Reality serves as the inaugural event of the year-long DC International Theatre Festival, a collaborative initiative among the Shakespeare Theatre Company, Studio Theatre, and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. The festival aims to celebrate and showcase the work of international theater artists, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and artistic exchange.
“Now more than ever is the time to come together, both locally, with our fellow institutions, and internationally,” said Simon Godwin, Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company. “We hope other theaters in the District will join us in these endeavors throughout the coming year.”
The festival’s programming includes a diverse array of performances and events, such as panel discussions and public forums exploring the role of international collaboration in contemporary theater. Upcoming highlights feature productions like ho ho ho ha ha ha by Julia Masli and Hamnet adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti, further emphasizing the festival’s commitment to global storytelling.
Tickets for Duel Reality are priced between $35 and $106, with youth tickets available for $35 when purchased alongside an adult ticket. All performances are designed with open captions to ensure accessibility.
