Act One
A ball at the Capulets'. The host opens the party and presents his daughter Juliette. Members of the Montagues, who are enemies of the Capulets, are secretly also at the ball. Roméo is tormented by dark premonitions. His friend Mercutio tries to cheer him up. Roméo sees Juliette for the first time and falls in love. Juliette, who is cared for by her nurse Gertrude, dreams of a happy future. Roméo and Juliette meet and kiss. Tybalt joins them and recognises the voice of Roméo, who quickly hides. Roméo and Juliette realise that their love is impossible. The Capulets have become aware of the Montagues’ presence. When the situation threatens to escalate, the Montagues leave the ball.

Act Two
Under the cover of night, Roméo, full of hope, awaits Juliette. The two meet and reaffirm their love. They want to renounce the names of their hostile fathers. When they are interrupted by Capulets searching for enemy men, Roméo hides. Reunited with her lover, Juliette agrees to marry him if he truly loves her. The two delay parting.

Act Three
Roméo confesses his love for Juliette to Friar Laurent. His lover appears and the friar agrees to marry them.

In search of his friend Roméo, the young Stéphano goads the Capulets. A scuffle ensues with Grégorio. Mercutio wants to protect Stéphano. Roméo intervenes and is insulted by Tybalt. When Roméo does not respond with violence, Mercutio fights Tybalt and is killed. Filled with pain over this loss, Roméo takes revenge and kills Tybalt. The Prince banishes Roméo and calls on the enemy houses to make peace.

Act Four
As day gradually dawns, Roméo and Juliette are united on their wedding night. As the groom finally takes his leave, Gertrude announces the arrival of Juliette's father. Followed by Father Laurent, Capulet tells his daughter that she is to marry Pâris. Juliette turns to the Friar in despair. He gives her a potion to make her sink into a death-like sleep until Roméo returns. Plagued by wild delusions, Juliette convinces herself to take the potion. Juliette's father finds his daughter, who collapses as if dead.

Act Five
Roméo appears at the grave of Juliette, whom he believes to be dead. He kisses her one last time and drinks poison. Juliette awakens. For a moment, the lovers believe they can escape and live together. When Juliette learns that Roméo has drunk poison, she stabs herself. Before they die, they ask God for forgiveness.