Literary Perspectives of Certain Modern and Classical Plays

Shakespeare is still the most wildly represented in the theatre, but “Othello” or “Taming of the Shrew” may not always be represented like the classical text. There have been many modernizations that involve rewriting for a more modern audience. In some cases, this may capitalize upon the productions own literary perspective or the zeitgeist of the times. For instance, Othello can be a man who climbs insurmountable odds to become a hero, only to have his own self-doubt preyed upon instead of a man who represents the everyman, and the dark More »

Commentaries on Classical and Modern Plays

When one attends a play, a certain mindset is required once the lights dim in anticipation of the first character entrance. Plays, as opposed to musicals, need to be completely focused on by the ears, the eyes, and a thinking brain. Plays are rarely, directly, forthcoming in the meaning of the dialogue spoken. Often, the audience needs to pay close attention to what is spoken. In classical plays, for instance, it may take the ears a More »

Classical and Modern Play Reviews and Summaries

Those that have an affinity for plays and the theatre likely enjoy reading online critical analysis of both contemporary and classical works. The fact that such critical analysis is available online is a tremendous benefit since it eliminates the need to seek out and purchase somewhat expensive books on the subject. The fact that online analysis articles can be updated without the need for the reader to pay any additional expenses can be considered another plus.

However, it is best More »

Historical Perspectives of Certain Modern and Classical Plays

History comes from the playwright’s pen, and it can offer glimpses of life through ancient eyes. There are countless period plays, but all plays written show audiences a view of the period they were written in as interpreted by the playwright. Deciphering those historical elements can be simpler than it may seem.

William Shakespeare is a widely recognized playwright, but many of his works actually give historical perspective to the time period in which he lived. Since Shakespeare lived during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the last sovereign of More »