I have seen: Midsummer Night's Dream, Taming of the Shrew, MacBeth and Twelfth Night. I've read Midsummer Night's Dream, MacBeth, R + J, Merchant of Venice, Much Ado About Nothing and I think that's it.
Midsummer is v. enjoyable being probably his most comedic work. The last time I saw it was when I was just in England and it was an amazing production. MacBeth is my other favourite. Actually I think MacBeth is quite short from memory so probably fairly easy to get through. Twelfth night is good too with all the mistaken identity riotous good times.
Definitely worth the effort! But I also believe Shakespeare's plays are better seen rather than read, so be on the look out for any productions!
We had to read a Shakespeare play each year at school - ours were: Merchant of Venice, Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, Henry V and The Tempest.
Out of all of these I liked The Tempest best, not because it was any more thought provoking but because it had magic!
But like Jenny, I think plays are meant to be watched, so it's way more fun to watch them than read them. And (personally) I don't think that watching them in the form of movies dumbs them down all that much - it's just another interpretation of the same stuff and often one that feels more relevant than just sitting and watching a man on an empty stage recite Hamlet monologues (actually, I've never had to see something like this, but I'll bet it happens!).
I agree movies don't dumb them down that much: unless they are movies like 10 Things I Hate About You or She's The Man, i.e. very loosely based on the plays. Romeo + Juliet was a really good movie and a really interesting way of making "stuffy" ol' Shakespeare accessible for the kidz.
Mind you I would still rather see the play performed in person, but yeah, Hamlet monologues on an empty stage would be crap outside the context of the whole play.
hey! those movies are loveable in their own rights ya foolbags!
ps: in addition to those mentioned, i also really like twelth night and othello, especally if you enjoy getting your race issues awwwn. BUT agree with all in terms of watching>reading.
pps jenny: daniel craig as lord asriel? are you serious? lame face.
I also had my doubts esp since I think he is too young, but actually recently changed my tune since seeing the trailers. but I will never, NEVER accept nicole kidman as Mrs Coulter. All wrong.
Cheers for the advice learned ones, i have picked up A Midsummer Nights Dream to kick things off. Unfortunately there don't seem to be any Shakespearian plays on in Perth at the moment, but i'll keep an eye out. If you guys hear about any be sure to let me know!
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Midsummer is v. enjoyable being probably his most comedic work. The last time I saw it was when I was just in England and it was an amazing production. MacBeth is my other favourite. Actually I think MacBeth is quite short from memory so probably fairly easy to get through. Twelfth night is good too with all the mistaken identity riotous good times.
Definitely worth the effort! But I also believe Shakespeare's plays are better seen rather than read, so be on the look out for any productions!
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We had to read a Shakespeare play each year at school - ours were: Merchant of Venice, Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, Henry V and The Tempest.
Out of all of these I liked The Tempest best, not because it was any more thought provoking but because it had magic!
But like Jenny, I think plays are meant to be watched, so it's way more fun to watch them than read them. And (personally) I don't think that watching them in the form of movies dumbs them down all that much - it's just another interpretation of the same stuff and often one that feels more relevant than just sitting and watching a man on an empty stage recite Hamlet monologues (actually, I've never had to see something like this, but I'll bet it happens!).
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Mind you I would still rather see the play performed in person, but yeah, Hamlet monologues on an empty stage would be crap outside the context of the whole play.
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ps: in addition to those mentioned, i also really like twelth night and othello, especally if you enjoy getting your race issues awwwn. BUT agree with all in terms of watching>reading.
pps jenny: daniel craig as lord asriel? are you serious? lame face.
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Hooray that you're finally reading HDM!
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