MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Shakespeare probably never envisioned this — a woman playing Romeo as a woman in a Minneapolis theater production.

Theatre Coup d’Etat plans to present “Romeo and Juliet” next month, with the love-stricken male Romeo played by a woman as a woman.

The company says the production will help support Minnesotans United for All Families’ “Pledge to Vote No” campaign against the proposed gay-marriage ban.

Theatre Coup d’Etat says its mission is to “provoke an emotional and analytical response” in audiences.

“Romeo and Juliet” will run Nov. 8-18 at The Southern Theater in Minneapolis. Tickets are $20 general admission.

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