ACT I

Scene i
It is Sunday, and the streets of Verona are busy. Two Capulet servants, Sampson and Gregory, are teasing each other quite rudely and as early as the seventh line mention how much they hate a rival family, the Montagues. Abraham and Balthasar of the Montagues enter, and a fight breaks out. Benvolio tries to stop it, but Tybalt refuses to help, and the fight turns into a riot that is eventually broken up by the town guards. The Prince threatens death to anyone who disturbs the peace again. Romeo enters after the scene and tells his friend Benvolio that he wants nothing to do with violence. He also admits to being lovesick because the woman he loves (Rosaline) doesn’t want to know him.

Scene ii
Paris visits Lord Capulet, asking to marry his daughter, Juliet. We learn she is not quite 14 years old, and Capulet tells Paris to wait two more years. Nevertheless, Capulet invites Paris to a masked ball, or party, at their house. Benvolio and Romeo find out about the party, and Benvolio encourages Romeo to go so that he can forget about Rosaline.

Scene iii
Lady Capulet tells Juliet that Paris wants to marry her. Juliet’s Nurse is very excited, but Juliet hasn’t thought about marriage yet.

Scene iv
It’s now Sunday evening, and several partygoers, among them Romeo, Benvolio and Mercutio, are outside Capulet’s house. Mercutio’s light-hearted and clever banter contrasts with Romeo’s dark mood, though it’s obvious Mercutio has his own dark side too.

Scene v
Preparations are being made for Capulet’s party, and the guests arrive, followed by lots of dancing and music. Romeo sees Juliet for the first time, from a distance, and is overwhelmed by her beauty. Despite his mask, Romeo (Montague) is spotted by Tybalt (Capulet), who wants to kill Romeo for sneaking in uninvited – but Capulet forcefully stops him. Tybalt is angered by this and vows revenge against Romeo. Romeo approaches Juliet. They talk and then kiss. Nurse interrupts and tells Romeo that Juliet is a Capulet, much to his dismay. Later, Juliet finds out that Romeo is a Montague, and she reacts in much the same way.