Act one
Early morning. Romeo can’t sleep. He wanders the deserted streets of Verona, dreaming of love. Little by little the square is filled with people. Meanwhile, young Juliet is playing with her Nurse, who dresses her up for the ball. Benvolio and Romeo’s faithful friend, the merry fellow Mercutio, persuade Romeo to go to the Capulet ball. To stay unrecognized, young people from the Montague family put on masks and go to the festival.
A lavish ball at the Capulet home. Disguised by masks, Romeo, Mercutio and Benvolio slip unannounced into the ball. When Romeo sees Juliet, he is immediately lovestruck. Taking advantage of the fact that Tybalt takes Paris away from Juliet, Romeo approaches her. He does not hide his delight and admiration. Romeo’s accidentally dropped mask reveals his face to Juliet’s gaze. But Romeo is recognized by Tybalt and, fearing possible complications, hurries to leave the house. Juliet is still under the impression of meeting Romeo. Who is this beautiful young man? Moonlit night. Romeo appears.
They confess their love to each other and swear loyalty. The square of Verona is noisy and fun. Juliet’s nurse sends a note to Romeo on behalf of her young mistress. Friar Laurence spends his days in his cell. Romeo pleads with him to secretly seal the alliance between him and Juliet. Laurence promises his help, hoping this marriage will reconcile the warring families of Montague and Capulet. Juliet appears. Lorenzo performs the wedding ceremony. Mercutio, Benvolio and their friends are having fun. Appearing on the bridge, Tybalt notices his enemies and, drawing his sword, rushes to Mercutio.
Romeo wants to reconcile them, but without success. A battle ensues between Tybalt and Mercutio. Romeo tries to separate them, but Tybalt, seizing the moment, strikes Mercutio a fatal blow from under Romeo’s arm. The death of a friend enrages Romeo. Drawing his sword, he challenges Tybalt to a duel and kills him. The family of the murdered man, gathered at his body, swears eternal vengeance on the family of Montague.