Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy written by English poet, playwright and actor William Shakespeare, who is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world preeminent dramatist.  


This world-known story is a tragedy about two young destined to misfortune lovers whose deaths reconcile the feuding families. It was one of the most popular plays during Shakespeare lifetime, as well as Hamlet, which is one of the most frequently performed plays.


Romeo and Juliet pertains to a tradition of tragic romances. The plot is based on Italian tale, which was translated into verse as The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet by Arthur Brooke in 1562. Then it was retold in prose in Palace of Pleasure by William Painter in 1567. Shakespeare borrowed from both, expanding it and including new supporting characters.