Romeo N Juliet 4EVA is being presented by the Black Heritage Hub, a new local community organisation

A unique film adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tale Romeo and Juliet is being screened in Enfield as part of Black History Month tomorrow (Thursday 24th).

The special screening of Romeo N Juliet 4EVA at Dugdale Arts Centre is being presented by the Black Heritage Hub, a new local community organisation that supports business, promotes cultural identity and education, as well as celebrating black history.

The film will form part of an evening titled ‘Dare to Dream!’ and is aimed at empowering young people, embracing this year’s Black History Month theme of reclaiming narratives. In addition, there is a post-screening Q&A panel with the film’s director Paul Bucknor, award-winning youth coach, filmmaker and campaigner Amani Simpson, education consultant Marva Rollins OBE, and Heron Hall Academy’s former UK ‘headteacher of the year‘ Arthur Barzey.

The film by award-winning director Paul Bucknor is a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, featuring first-time actors from a tough inner-city community. Inspired by Bucknor’s 2019 reality TV competition Conquering Shakespeare, the film was shot entirely on location in Jamaica. Bucknor, who co-produced the Oscar-nominated and Bafta-winning The Full Monty, brings a fresh perspective to this classic tale.

This adaptation focuses on Dean, a schoolboy who sees himself as a modern-day Romeo pursuing his classmate Erica, his Juliet. Bucknor skilfully casts first time teenage actors with established Jamaican acting talent, with award-winning Sheldon Shepherd (Yardie, Bob Marley: One Love) in a title role.

Dionne John, chair of the Black Heritage Hub, said the film makes Shakespeare’s classic “more accessible to modern audiences” and said: “We are thrilled to present Romeo N Juliet 4EVA for Black History Month at the Dugdale Arts Centre. This screening supports our mission to empower young people and celebrate cultural identity through storytelling. Paul Bucknor’s fresh take on Shakespeare brings a global perspective that resonates with young people living in London.

“We hope the film and the Q&A inspire our audience to dream big and see new possibilities that lie ahead.”

Bucknor explained why he chose Enfield for the film’s latest screening and said: “I chose Enfield because its themes of struggle, resilience, and hope are universal. I believe young people in Enfield, who may be facing similar challenges, will connect with the film’s message and be inspired by the characters’ journeys to take ownership of their stories.”

Romeo N Juliet 4EVA is showing from 7pm-10pm on Thursday (24th) at Dugdale Arts Centre, 39 London Road, Enfield, EN2 6DS. Tickets start at £5 for young people (18 and under) and £10 for adults.

For more information about the film and to buy tickets:
Call 020 8807 6680
Visit dugdaleartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/romeo-n-juliet-4eva

For more information about Black Heritage Hub:
Email [email protected]

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.