Oscar Diaz and Janelly Mendoza took a monumental step in their relationship by marrying on stage at the Delacorte Theater on June 11. The wedding followed a performance of Romeo and Juliet, part of the Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park series. The ceremony took place in New York’s Central Park with actor Francis Jue officiating the wedding, doubling as Friar Lawrence in the same production.
The couple, originally from Laredo, Texas, have a long history, having known each other since childhood. They met Saheem Ali, the associate artistic director of the Public Theater, because of his interest in border culture for his unique rendition of the classic play. Mendoza and Diaz provided insight into such traditions, including a ritual where a Mexican and a U.S. citizen marry on a bridge that connects their countries, standing on opposite sides with an officiant in the center.
This cultural exchange inspired Ali to envision a real wedding at the conclusion of the play, mirroring the wedding in Romeo and Juliet. Unlike the tragic fate of Shakespeare’s famous couple, Mendoza and Diaz’s marriage is filled with hope for their future. Initially, the idea was something they dismissed. “Just regular people like us don’t do that stuff,” Mendoza said. However, when Ali approached them with the opportunity, they embraced it.
The couple’s visit to New York included iconic sites like the Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square. For both, this trip marked a special occasion, as Diaz had never been to the city, and Mendoza’s only visit was years ago. The stage marriage also marked the beginning of a larger trend, with the Public Theater hosting weddings or vow renewals after each performance this summer, totaling 32.
Francis Jue expressed the significance of bringing people together through theater during divisive times. “It’s a modern miracle,” he remarked, highlighting the communal spirit of the event. After the play, Mendoza and Diaz returned to the stage, Diaz in a brown blazer and cowboy boots and Mendoza in a stunning ivory dress, to take their vows. Jue addressed the audience, emphasizing this celebration of love.
“Romeo and Juliet didn’t get their lifetime together,” he said. “But tonight, there is a couple from the border wall at Laredo, Texas, committing to their lifetime together with all of you as witnesses.”
Following their vows, the couple beamed as they displayed their rings and signed their marriage license. Saheem Ali, serving as a witness, humorously pledged to ensure their marriage persisted. “It’s real now,” Mendoza declared with a smile. When asked if the experience met their expectations, she joyfully responded, “Better!”
Luis Clemens edited this piece for both broadcast and digital platforms, with Eleana Tworek responsible for mixing the audio.