Danes and DiCaprio on playing the parts of Romeo and Juliet.


"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players." So goes the old saying we all know so well. In this case, the players happen to be two very talented young actors by the names of Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. DiCaprio is a veteran, having played Lavinia in Titus Andronicus, Rosaline in Love's Labour's Lost, and Luciana in The Comedy of Errors. This, however, is his first role as a male. Danes is making her theatrical debut in the season's smash hit "Romeo and Juliet." Her though her performance is spectacular, there is still much debate over the new laws of the theatre. Last year's declaration by the Queen allowed woman to appear on the stage and perform lead roles. Many are still uncomfortable with this revolutionary idea and still believe it is immoral.
"My father is still mad at me," said Danes in her November interview, "He said I was no longer his daughter for ruining his good name. He's been so angry with me that we haven't spoken since I took on the part. I think that my personal life has helped me to play the role of Juliet. In many ways, we are in the same situation."
DiCaprio states,"I feel for her, but at the same time she brought it on herself. A woman's place is in the home and not in front of an audience. Just a few months ago I would have been playing the part of Juliet. That's how it should be."

Dicaprio and Danes are a part of the Chamberlain's Men, under the patronage of Lord Chamberlain. The Chamberlain's Men are run by Richard Burbage currantly, but the actors in the company own a share of the company as well as the playhouse and its properties unlike the Admiral's men.

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