Seattle Rep’s latest production, Duel Reality by Montreal-based circus collective The 7 Fingers, flips the script on Shakespeare—literally and figuratively. A high-energy, genre-blending spectacle, this 70-minute performance is part Cirque, part Vegas, and part Shakespearean drama. In short, it’s a sensory feast with no downtime.

Returning after their debut at Seattle Rep in 2023, The 7 Fingers take on Romeo and Juliet in a way only they can. Upon entering the theater, guests are given red or blue wristbands—signaling allegiance to either the Montagues or Capulets. This playful audience division sets the tone for what’s to come: a rivalry fueled not by bloodshed, but by acrobatic one-upmanship.

Let the games begin

The performance opens with a burst of choreographed “combat” between the two sides. Not to worry, this combat was non-violent, unlike the latest John Wick movie. From there, the two sides battle with everything from juggling to aerial hoops, and teeterboards to human pyramids, each act building on the last with complexity and intensity. The opening night audience at Seattle Rep was clearly invested in Duel Reality, as they cheered on every leap, flip, and death-defying feat.

Each side of the cast occupies their half of the stage like opposing teams in a high-stakes match. While snippets of Shakespearean dialogue make their way into the performance, it’s the nonverbal storytelling and physical feats that drive the narrative. And yes, this version of Romeo and Juliet ends in unity, not tragedy. As the cast sheds their Montague and Capulet colors, they come together in a heartfelt finale of song and dance, reimagining the tale as one of reconciliation rather than ruin.

Duel Reality at Seattle Rep is a rare show that can captivate theater lovers, circus fans, and kids seeing live performance for the first time. With three generations of audience members cheering in unison on opening night, it’s clear this is a perfect summer diversion for the whole family. This high-flying, heartwarming take on Romeo & Juliet will leave you breathless – and smiling.