– Can we take off the Romeo sign?
There is a lot of activity when Oscar Zia is about to be photographed on the circus stage. Surrounded by scenographer Marcus Englesson’s tall wooden structures – inspired by William Shakespeare’s legendary Globe Theater in London – Oscar Zia poses friendly for the camera, even if it becomes “a bit twitchy” to smile on command.
After director Edward af Sillén’s approval, a huge turquoise sign is lowered with the name “Romeo” in large, bright letters. Oscar Zia stretches out his arms and smiles again. Since breaking through on the talent competition “X Factor” as a 16-year-old, he has had time to grow up in the entertainment industry.
Now he will play Romeo in a musical reinterpretation of Romeo and Juliet, based on the songs of Swedish pop prodigy Max Martin. “& Julia” examines what happens if Julia never takes her own life at the end of the play.
– The musical begins with Shakespeare’s wife Anne Hathaway attending the premiere of “Romeo and Juliet”, but is not entirely satisfied with the ending. So I would say it’s a recast in favor of Julia, says Oscar Zia.
Oscar Zia stars alongside Joanné Nugas as Julia and Viktor Norén as Shakespeare. About his own role, he jokes that it’s mostly about being dead. And young Montague’s verdict is clear.
– My Romeo is a real piece of shit. More than usual.
At the same time, he is usually described as charming.
– It’s very interesting. He’s charming, but I’d say the same about any guy I’ve met who turned out to be complete idiots.
Facts.Oscar Zia
Born: 1996 in Svedala.
Background: Artist. Among other things, he took part in the Melodifestivalen several times and was its host.
Current: I play Romeo in “& Juliet” at the Circus in Stockholm – a jukebox musical based on Max Martin’s songs. Among the other actors, Joanné Nugas as Julia and Viktor Norén as William Shakespeare stand out. Director: Edward af Sillén.
Other projects: In connection with the opening of the Winter Olympics, the song “Pronti via (Du gamla du fria)” was released, which is both an interpretation of the Swedish national anthem and a homage to his Italian grandfather. Oscar Zia also recently filmed his first film role in a previously secret project that “will probably come in the fall or early 2027.”
Oscar Zia did most of it. He has released music, toured and took part in “Let’s Dance”. He has participated in and hosted Melodifestivalen several times. However, he hasn’t made music since he was a child. But when he heard about the Swedish production of & Julia, he contacted the producer and was offered an audition.
– It’s the worst thing I’ve ever done, says Oscar Zia bluntly.
When he found out that Max Martin himself would take part, Oscar Zia suffered from acute nervousness, feigned illness and canceled.
– I attended so many auditions and received so many no’s. I felt like my ego wouldn’t be able to handle Max Martin denying me this job. It would test my entire identity.
The same morning as the audition, he called a friend who persuaded him to go anyway. On site were Max Martin and his wife Jenny Petersson – who had been one of the driving forces behind the musical – as well as the director Edward af Sillén and a number of agents.
– It was a whole lot of shit. So I went in and had a real blackout. I forgot all the lyrics and just hummed my way through. But I got the role.
“& Juliet” was written by Canadian writer David West Read and premiered in Manchester in 2019. After landing the role of Romeo, Oscar Zia went to New York and saw the then sold-out production on Broadway.
– I was so impressed. However, I really think our setup is better.
The chance to work with Max Martin’s music is a big reason why Oscar Zia wanted the role so badly.
– He was a great role model for me. “It started with me listening to his music for a long time without knowing who he was – Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Nsync… There are so many hits and I have a memory for every song,” says Oscar Zia.
In a few hours, Oscar Zia will be rehearsing in full costume, but for now he’s wearing a typical ’90s outfit every day. Over a white shirt, he wears a navy blue Balenciaga T-shirt with “Top Model” printed on the chest.
Oscar Zia describes himself as a perfectionist and says that rehearsals require a lot of hard work, not least physical. Then your body and voice have to hold out for a long and intensive playing time, from mid-February to the end of May.
– I feel like a top athlete. There will be a lot less Spy Bar and more theater.
A few years ago He spoke about his lack of self-confidence in the short documentary “Bluffen Oscar Zia” on SVT. Oscar Zia believes the best thing about working with a stage production is the community. Now he has managed to unlock some of the competitive instinct that can sometimes be the downside of artistic creation.
– It’s damn nice to put your ego aside for a bit. That it’s not just about me. I really love getting on stage and being someone other than Oscar Zia. It’s wonderful.
It can be even more difficult to come home to an empty apartment.
– You are thrown on stage in front of a wonderful audience. It’s such a damn dopamine rush. Then you get home and your brain feels like it’s having a stroke: “What the hell just happened? Should it just be quiet? Where is the audience?”
Oscar Zia laughs and emphasizes, just in case, that he is doing well in life. He turns 30 this fall and some of his dreams look different. Instead of doing everything to win Grammys, he’s trying to learn to trust himself.
– From now until I die, I want my life to be as happy as possible.
“& Julia”, premiere 19/2, circus in Stockholm.
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