Modern Shakespeare, Wednesday, Period 1 & 2

[glacial_queen]

Rather than the usual pillows and comfortable chairs in a modern living room, today the students would walk through the door of the Danger Shop and enter the Globe Theater. "Hello!" Karla called, waving to them from the middle balcony. "So, the current production of A Midsummer Night's Dream playing at the real Globe in London is sadly well over an hour longer than our class period, and it's not a modern adaptation." Which wouldn't have stopped Karla for a minute if it hadn't been too long to get the students back in time for their next class. "Instead, we'll be watching the newest version, adapted by the Mister What showrunner for the BBC. While his version is closer to the original than many of the other adaptations we've watched this term, he has made some fairly significant changes and has a very modern feel."

A screen lowered from the top of the stage. "Pick a seat--or remain standing if you want to be a groundling--and let's see how this modern adaptation plays out."

Comments

Discussion Question 2

[glacial_queen]

"Did you learn anything--either about Shakespeare or the modern world--from the adaptations? Which one? What did you learn?"

Re: Discussion Question 2

[era_two_triangle]

"I learned from many of them that Earth beings are obsessed with love," Peridot decided, looking a little disgruntled about that fact. "And this concept of 'family.'"

She would have specified 'humans,' but, well, there had been the lions...

Especially the lions.

Re: Discussion Question 2

[glacial_queen]

"This is true," Karla said, perching on the back of her chair, her feet planted in the seat. "Love and family are considered to be two of the most important aspects of a person's life. Wars were fought over them. Greek mythology alone..." She shook her head. "Never mind. We can cover the Greeks later. Do your people not have the same consideration and concepts?"

Re: Discussion Question 2

[era_two_triangle]

"We can develop connections and affection," Peridot noted. "And yes, I suppose we can love. But our society isn't as centered around it by any means. And family is... alien."

Literally.

"Gems don't form family units the same way humans do. It just isn't what we are. Oh, we'll group off into assignments that we're most useful in, but I suppose that isn't quite the same thing, is it?"

Re: Discussion Question 2

[crimson_sister]

"That the modern world needs different stories," Lucille said. "In some cases they are very close, in others not. Perhaps that is true for many eras, but I would like to believe that the plays of Shakespeare told in my time would be more to the taste of the Bard himself."

Re: Discussion Question 2

[glacial_queen]

"We could probably debate Shakespeare's 'tastes' all day without getting far," Karla noted, giving Lucille a quick smile, "but I can certainly agree that he might find yours far more recognizable. What would you say the greatest differences between his plays and our adaptations are? Feel free to only name a few, if you'd like."

Re: Discussion Question 2

[crimson_sister]

"Being made sweet when they are not, and comedic when they are tragic," Lucille said. "Letting the story take place in modern times. The latter I can understand better than the former."

Re: Discussion Question 2

[intotheout]

"Well, the adaptations themselves show that stories are really flexible. You can tweak elements here and there -- or change the entire setting -- and depending on what you do and how you do it, you can have the story say something completely different than it did before. Like with the Taming of the Shrew. Sure, I mean, it's flawed, but the adaptation turned that from a story about how to oppress women to one about how women can find their own freedoms."

Re: Discussion Question 2

[glacial_queen]

"So, if we're using them to teach wildly different lessons, then why do we still go to Shakespeare and his plays, you think?" Karla asked.

She could ask Gratuity questions all day, honestly. The girl's mind was fascinating.

Re: Discussion Question 2

[intotheout]

"Why is almost every movie Hollywood makes a remake of some older movie?" Tip shrugged. "We like to recycle stories. And we don't have to pay Shakespeare royalties."