Gounod's Roméo et Juliette has returned to the stage of La Monnaie after nearly seventy years, offering a production that emphasizes poetic beauty over dramatic intensity. Directed by Julia Burbach, a seasoned stage director known for her work in international venues like London, Berlin, and Barcelona, the staging aims to distill the Shakespearean tale into something more timeless and ethereal. However, some critics feel the production lacks the urgency and emotional drive typically associated with this tragic love story, with some actor direction appearing simplistic or awkward, especially in key scenes like the ball and the fight in the third act. The set design by Cécile Trémolières features tall columns made of mesh and metallic fabric that transform between acts, representing different locations such as the Capulets’ ballroom, a chapel, and Juliette’s bedroom. In the second act, a minimalist set evokes the Capulets’ enclosed garden using a dune-like material, where an aerial acrobatic performance reimagines the famous balcony scene. After the intermission, the stage is flooded with a dark, watery effect, symbolizing a flood, with the lovers’ bed transformed into a funeral barge—an image described as more reflective than startling. Costume design by Cécile Trémolières adds a vivid contrast, with soft pinks in the first act gradually shifting into darker, more somber tones by the final act, symbolizing the transition from celebration to mourning. The vocal performances are widely praised, with Kseniia Proshina’s portrayal of Juliette standing out for her expressive singing and emotional transformation after the intermission. Airam Hernández’s Romeo is noted for his strong vocal presence and confidence. Supporting roles are also well-received, with notable contributions from Florence Losseau, Rehanna Thelwell, Travon D. Walker, and Maxim Kuzmin-Karavaev. The Chœurs de La Monnaie, under the direction of Emmanuel Trenque, deliver a unified and committed performance, while Italian conductor Valentina Peleggi provides a dynamic and dramatic interpretation, though some moments are seen as abrupt. The Orchestre de La Monnaie responds with excellent instrumental quality, offering a seamless blend of string sections, poetic woodwinds, and authoritative brass. While the production is visually striking and poetic, it is critiqued for not fully capturing the dramatic intensity that defines Roméo et Juliette, which balances themes of love and death with delicate precision.