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Hella Iambic

During OSF’s 2023 production of Romeo and Juliet this May, you’re invited to play Hella Iambic, a mobile game experience that allows you to go deeper into Shakespeare’s most iconic work.

This one-of-a-kind game experience, accessed through your smartphone during the play, explores the space between live theatre and immersive play, and blurs the line between classical literature and hip-hop. The experience takes director Nataki Garrett’s artistic vision of a West Coast–influenced Romeo and Juliet, and transports players—YOU!—to the streets of Verona.

During key moments of the play, you’ll be invited to become a citizen of Verona, join the characters’ group chats, rewrite some of the most famous lines of the play, and pen your own sonnet at intermission.

To play is free—use your smartphone! Download instructions will be sent to ticketholders via email and SMS prior to the performance.

The app was created by Glow Up Games, an award-winning game studio centering innovative storytelling about black and brown joy, in partnership with OSF.

Questions? Email the OSF Innovation & Strategy team at [email protected]

Creative Team

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hella Iambic?
Hella Iambic is a one-of-a-kind game designed to be played on your smartphone throughout our performance of Romeo and Juliet. Blurring the line between classical literature and hip-hop, this experience takes director Nataki Garrett’s artistic vision of a West Coast–inspired Romeo and Juliet, and transports you to the streets of Verona.

How do I play?
  1. Download the app before the show. You can do this before you arrive at the theatre by following the QR code included in your pre-visit email, or our guides can help you when you arrive at the theatre lobby.
  2. At key moments during the show, you will receive push notifications that invite you to interact with the app. Remember to keep your phone on silent, and only use your phone to play the game.
  3. During intermission, you will be prompted to pen your own sonnet!
  4. Take a screenshot of the the bars you penned during intermission, and post on social media with the hashtag #HellaIambic

Do I need a smartphone?
Yes, but the experience is compatible with both Android and iPhone.

Can I keep my volume on?
Please keep your phone on silent mode.

Can I take/post pictures during the show?
No photos or video recording are permitted during the performance.

When is it?
This experience is offered as a part of Romeo and Juliet performances on May 25 and 26, 2023.

When will the game happen during the show?
Those who have chosen to download and play the game will receive push notifications on their mobile devices at select moments during the show that have been designed to work alongside the story. During intermission, there will be an extended experience that you will be prompted to participate in.

Does it cost anything?
Nope! It is free to download and enjoy.

What do I do with the app after the show?
Feel free to delete the mobile app after the show, as the game is designed to be played as part of our production of Romeo and Juliet.

Our 2023 Season