Find an adaptation or transformation of a play. Choose an adaptation with some significant differences from the original, such as transposed plots and characters into a variety of different settings and historical contexts. Here are some examples:
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1999) or A Midsummer Night’s DREAM (2018)
Romeo and Juliet – Romeo + Juliet (1996) or West Side Story (1961) or Romeo Must Die (2000)
As You Like It – As You Like It (2006)
Taming of the Shrew – 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) or Kiss Me, Kate (1948)
Much Ado About Nothing – Much Ado About Nothing (2012)
The Comedy of Errors – The Bomb-itty of Errors (2012)
King Lear – A Thousand Acres (1997)
Othello – O (2001)
Hamlet – The Lion King (2019 or 1994) or Hamlet (2000)
Twelfth Night – She’s the Man (2006)
If you have another idea, please ask your instructor to approve it.
Watch the original version and the adapted version. In your essay, address the following:
How is the adaptation the same as the original? Discuss plot, characters, theme, conflict, language, etc.
How does the adaptation differ from the original? Discuss setting, time period, characters, plot, language, etc.
Does the original story translate well in the adaptation? Why or why not? Did the adaptation work in a different setting, time period, etc. Why or why not?
Why do you think Shakespeare’s plays are adapted so often?
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