1960s Italian pop, fashion and youth culture set the scene for Brussels Shakespeare Society’s ‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona’

The Brussels Shakespeare Society gets ready to tread the boards with its fresh and vibrant take on The Two Gentlemen of Verona from 24 to 29 June.

Often overlooked in Shakespeare’s canon, this early romantic comedy gets a bold revival set against the colourful backdrop of 1960s Italy.

Director Tom Mallan draws on the energy of Italian pop music, fashion and youth culture to highlight the play’s timeless themes: young impulsive love, betrayal, expatriation and transformation. “The music and dancing even let us fill plot holes and flesh out key moments that the script leaves unseen” says Mallan.

And for those new to the play, or even to Shakespeare, this production promises plenty of surprises — moments of joyful absurdity mixed with emotionally charged depth.

Costumes, dancing and music are not just embellishments here — they are key storytelling tools. Experienced costume designer and theatre director Mary Wiklander-Williams has masterfully mined the 60’s rich aesthetic, combining iconic looks with clever upcycling and historical research to capture the contrasting worlds of provincial Verona and cosmopolitan Milan.

“In a world where audiences are more and more visual: the choices theatre companies make with costumes helps convey the story line,” she says. The visual shifts in characters’ wardrobes mirror their inner changes, conveying the emotional arc of the story. And with choreography woven throughout, even the play’s silences speak volumes. The result is a production that feels alive, and most of all deeply human.

What is particularly compelling about this staging is its refusal to shy away from the play’s more difficult turns. While much of Two Gentlemen of Verona is light and lyrical, its ending can be unsettling. Rather than glossing over this, the BSS leans in — exploring the darker layers of love, loyalty and identity in a way that resonates with our modern complexities. That honesty, paired with a genuine joy in theatrical play, makes this not just an entertaining evening but a meaningful one too.

In a city as diverse and culturally curious as Brussels, this production has found the perfect home. Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare or just in the mood for a night of stylish escapism, The Two Gentlemen of Verona delivers something rare: a show that’s both fun and fearless, retro and relevant. Catch it while you can — you might even fall in love!

The Two Gentlemen of Verona
24 to 29 June
La Maison qui Chante
Rue du Viaduc 122
Ixelles