SYNOPSIS Romeo & juliet

An ongoing feud between the Capulets and the Montagues breaks out again on the streets of Verona. Both sides are warned by Prince Escalus that they must not disturb the peace again, on pain of death.

Meanwhile, Lord Capulet tells County Paris that he may not marry his daughter Juliet until she is older. Lady Capulet and Juliet's Nurse talk with Juliet about her interest in being married. She has no strong feelings on the matter.

After leaving the party, Romeo eludes his friends, returns to meet Juliet, and they exchange vows of love. Juliet agrees to send her Nurse to Romeo the next day.

Benvolio tells Mercutio that Tybalt has sent Romeo a challenge. Romeo joins them, and is visited by the Nurse, who is told the marriage plan.

Tybalt, looking for Romeo, finds Benvolio and Mercutio. Romeo returns, and is challenged by Tybalt, but refuses to fight. Mercutio draws on Tybalt and is fatally wounded.

The Nurse tells Juliet of Romeo’s banishment and promises to bring him to her. The Friar tells a distraught Romeo he is banished, but advises him to visit Juliet secretly, then to leave for Mantua.

She goes to Friar Lawrence for help, and finds Paris there arranging the marriage. After he leaves, the Friar Lawrence devises a plan: he will give her a drink that will make her appear dead and thus avoid the marriage, and will write to Romeo to tell him; they can then elope to Mantua.

In Mantua, Benvolio tells Romeo that Juliet is dead. He vows to lie dead next to her that night, and obtains a poison from an apothecary. Friar John tells Friar Lawrence that he was unable to deliver Friar Lawrence's letter to Romeo. Realizing the danger, Lawrence leaves to tell Juliet what has happened.

Friar Lawrence arrives to see Romeo dead and Juliet waking. She refuses to leave, and kills herself with Romeo’s dagger. Officers arrive, and rouse the families and the Prince. Friar Lawrence explains what has happened. Montague and Capulet agree to make peace with each other.