Theatrical Adaptation

11-22-06 #12

Contemporary Shakespeare is an integral part of the progression of Shakespeare. After the discussion in class on Monday about the production of Shakespeare, I learned that when it was originally performed, it was done in contemporary dress; to reflect that day and age with their story. I think that performing Shakespeare in today’s society should be done in a more contemporary setting to hold steady with past production history. I also think that it was originally done to relate to the audience and to tell a story that they can understand. Often times today audiences who see a performance of Shakespeare that is done as a historical production lose sight of the meaning behind it. With the language and the dress and the location, people can easily get confused about what is being said and what is actually going on if it is not performed well. So I think that it is important to present Shakespeare to a society in a current adaptation more often than in a historical format. When watching contemporary movies with the original Shakespearean text, I often don’t even notice that it is not a familiar speak because I can relate to the actions and the way it is being said. I think more people in society will be able to respect Shakespeare’s stories and understand what he is trying to say if it is presented in a way more graspable to people today.

posted by Ann @ 10:19 PM