The Programme · Izmir
An ordinary stray.
An extraordinary entrance.
Before the applause, Romeow was simply a ginger stray wandering near an old theatre in Izmir. By day, he slept in the sun. By night, he followed the warmth of the stage lights.
Then, during the tragic finale of Romeo and Juliet, Romeow quietly walked onto the stage.
Romeo lay motionless after drinking poison. Juliet mourned beside him. Romeow settled near Romeo's head, tapped his hair with a paw, and began grooming himself as if he had discovered the most comfortable seat in the theatre.
The audience's tears became laughter. Juliet struggled to remain in character. Romeow remained perfectly calm.
When the dancers moved away, he claimed a nearby table as his private VIP box. At the curtain call, he returned with the company and received the applause of a true star.
That night, a nameless stray became Romeow, the Ballet Cat.
Romeo and Juliet belonged to the humans.
The stage belonged to Romeow.