Friday, May 10, 2013

Shakespeare in the media


Shakespeare's relevancy in today's literature is important, but I'll talk more about that in another post. My point is, Shakespeare's work is taught worldwide. Every highschooler knows the torture or pleasure of learning about this legend and his plays, whether they like it or not. However, as with the BOOM of technology, there are multiple of ways that us, humans, have presented his work. 

Shakespeare taught in highschool
There are various kinds of medial manifestations which Shakespeare's work has been transferred into over the centuries. Into a theatrical performance, a printed text, a painting, an opera, an audio book, a film, a radio or television drama, a website, and yes, even a blog!

Modern medial manifestations
Why is that? Why shouldn't we just learn about his plays through the original written script format? Well, I guess it's because we are spoiled in a way.. Or have become spoiled.. With technology becoming such a big part of our lives. Our ancestors learnt from papers and never complained, look at us.. But, in another perspective, we can say that this generation is always longing for constant entertainment and fun. This is why people like Franco Zeffirelli produce films like 'Romeo and Juliett' (1968). In order to send the message through another format. A format well understood and appreciated, through movies. Other popular ways include through humorous theatrical plays, targeted towards children and teens. Not only so, but also raps have been created to ease the understanding of the subject!! 
Shakespeare today

The media presents Shakespeare's work in the loved and creative way people enjoy! Towards YOU.. Have you seen any of Shakespeare's plays as a movie? Most probably. Why is that? In order to get a better sense of what is really happening. In order for you to visualise the sequence of events. And most importantly to understand his plays, enjoy the storyline and even get inspired by them. 
Gwyneth Paltrow acting
in Shakespeare in love (movie)

Giving the viewers the aura of that time, the beautiful, classic atmosphere through effects, props and clothing. The media has increased Shakespeare's popularity through individuals, specifically teens. His ''boring'' plays are not so boring anymore.. with movies we can refer to, songs we can remember and plays we can enjoy. Its all Shakespeare, but with a touch of modern. 
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3 comments:

  1. UnknownMay 11, 2013 at 4:51 PM

    This was very informative and interesting. You're really good at getting information through without boring the reader, niceeeeeee.

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  2. Joelle SammourMay 12, 2013 at 10:00 AM

    First of all, I like your picture of Shakespeare ;) hahah! It was a very interesting blog post, i don't really know what to say. I liked your point of view of why we don't learn about the plays through the original text. However I might disagree, it's not that we're spoilt, well only part of it is, the other part is that it's hard to understand and it's BORING. But, everyone has their opinion, right? right? Anyway, GOOD JOB! You've shared your opinion on this topic.

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  3. UnknownMay 13, 2013 at 8:18 AM

    A nice entry Hessa - I particularly liked the poll on the right hand side - made the post more interactive!! Well done!

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