Mercutio: Difference between revisions
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I'm removing the performers section, as it appears to be fake |
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== Performers == |
== Performers == |
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One of the more infamous portrayals of Mercutio was that of Sir Jon Becraft, as part of the Globe Players of the United States. This portrayal has received world-wide disdain and ridicule and has become known as the "'How to not play' Mercutio." |
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However, while [[Jon Becraft|Sir Jon Becraft's]] classical performance of Mercutio is renowned worldwide, modern theatre patrons overall seem to prefer the slightly more [[sarcastic]] and seemingly updated Mercutio, as performed by Jared T. Wilson of the Little Cl. Troupe. Critics commonly refer to his portrayal of Mercutio as the "Modern-day Mercutio". |
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[[Harold Perrineau Jr.]] portrayed Mercutio in [[Baz Luhrmann|Baz Luhrmann's]] [[William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet|1996 version]]. Reviews of Perrineau's performance were mixed. While some people found his portrayal to be powerful and moving, others believed his performance was too over-the-top and hyperactive. |
[[Harold Perrineau Jr.]] portrayed Mercutio in [[Baz Luhrmann|Baz Luhrmann's]] [[William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet|1996 version]]. Reviews of Perrineau's performance were mixed. While some people found his portrayal to be powerful and moving, others believed his performance was too over-the-top and hyperactive. |
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Revision as of 03:14, 6 December 2006
Mercutio is a character in William Shakespeare's famous tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. He is a relative of Prince Escalus (also known as The Prince), and is a good friend of the Montagues, or, specifically, the son of Montague, Romeo, and Romeo's cousin Benvolio. Mercutio is apt to make long, drawn out speeches, and is generally thought to be a free spirit.
Mercutio is stabbed when Romeo attempts to stop his swordfight with Tybalt. He dies, but not before cursing both the houses of Montagues and Capulet (of which Tybalt, as Juliet's cousin, is a member): "A plague o' both your houses! They have made worms' meat of me...". His line describing his wound, "'Tis not deep as a well, nor wide as a church door, but 'tis enough, 'twill serve," has become famous. He makes a pun before he dies: "Send for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man!" In revenge Romeo slays Tybalt and is "exiled hence" from Verona, the Italian city state wherein the story takes place.
Many scholars have speculated on the theory of Mercutio being in a homosexual relationship with Romeo, which was emphasized in the Baz Luhrmann film of Romeo and Juliet.
Mercutio's name may possibly be from the word "mercurial", meaning "having an unpredictable and fast-changing mood", a fairly accurate description of Mercutio's personality. The word "mercurial" itself derives from the Roman messenger god Mercury, whose namesakes include the fast-moving planet Mercury; and the metal mercury, a liquid at room temperature.
Performers
Harold Perrineau Jr. portrayed Mercutio in Baz Luhrmann's 1996 version. Reviews of Perrineau's performance were mixed. While some people found his portrayal to be powerful and moving, others believed his performance was too over-the-top and hyperactive.