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KS2 English: Romeo and Juliet adaptation - 1. Two families in Verona

Two families, the Montagues and the Capulets, have an ancient feud. A fight between them breaks out on the streets of Verona.

Romeo and Juliet animation

1. Two families in Verona

Rosaline introduces us to the Capulets and the Montagues, two feuding families in Verona, Italy. Tybalt - a Capulet - meets Benvolio - a Montague - in the street and they begin to fight. Enter Prince Escalus who orders them to lay down their swords and warns them that they will pay a high price for any future fighting.

We see Lord Capulet walking in the street with Paris, a young relative of Prince Escalus. They are discussing Lord Capulet's daughter, Juliet, who Paris wishes to marry. We learn that Lord Capulet is happy for his suit to proceed.

We see Romeo walking with Benvolio. They meet a servant of the Capulets who is carrying the guest list for a forthcoming party. They decide to attend the party in secret, but they will have to be careful: as Montagues they will not be welcome.

The scene changes to Juliet's bedroom where she is joined by her mother and her nursemaid. Lady Capulet is eager for Juliet to consider Paris for a husband.

The episode ends with Rosaline reflecting that all the pieces are in place for the story: a lovelorn Romeo, a frustrated Juliet and a fast-approaching party which Romeo will attend in secret.

The adaptation is intended to be broadly suitable for upper KS2 - that is, pupils aged 9 years old and above. However, be aware that the content deals with a number of sensitive issues including deaths during street fighting and suicide. Teachers should ensure they have watched any content they intend to share with their group in order to assess its suitability.

This film is relevant for teaching English within the National Curriculum at KS2 in England and Northern Ireland and equivalent levels in Scotland and Wales.

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Further resources

Download / print the Teacher Notes for this series

Teacher Notes

Click to download / print the transcript

Episode transcript
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Other videos in this series

Benvolio and Mercutio take Romeo to the Capulet ball where he meets and falls in love with Juliet.

2. Love arrives at a party

3. Promises from a balcony

After the ball Romeo climbs into the Capulet garden hoping to see Juliet again.

3. Promises from a balcony

Friar Lawrence marries Romeo and Juliet in a secret ceremony witnessed by the nurse.

4. A secret wedding
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