In this article, the once-my-beloved-Watson states that Shakespeare has "boring bits" that should be chopped off in productions. This comment he made when he was talking about the new production of Richard III in which he plays the main tragic role.
Anyway. Is there any boring parts in Shakespeare?
Let's be honest. There are many, almost in every play we have boring bits here and there. They are plays. Shakespeare might have written them to give time for the actors to change clothes, to prepare props, or any other thing. But does it mean that they have no significance, at all? Most of Shakespeare's "boring parts" actually enrich his plays, add more roundness to his characters and plots, and cheer us up with the "useless" comedy.
If you want Shakespeare to appeal to the youngsters, watering it down is not the answer. You don't cut the half-naked women and leave the flowers in Botticelli's Primavera to attract 15 y.o teenagers to a museum. Present them the whole picture. If now they care more about the actor's handsome looks than his speeches, or Falstaff's bawdy jokes than Henry IV's complaints about his son, let them. As they watch it again and again, they'll understand more and more.
But how could they experience and appreciate the beauty of Shakespeare if only the "cut down" versions are presented to them?
Anyway. Is there any boring parts in Shakespeare?
Let's be honest. There are many, almost in every play we have boring bits here and there. They are plays. Shakespeare might have written them to give time for the actors to change clothes, to prepare props, or any other thing. But does it mean that they have no significance, at all? Most of Shakespeare's "boring parts" actually enrich his plays, add more roundness to his characters and plots, and cheer us up with the "useless" comedy.
If you want Shakespeare to appeal to the youngsters, watering it down is not the answer. You don't cut the half-naked women and leave the flowers in Botticelli's Primavera to attract 15 y.o teenagers to a museum. Present them the whole picture. If now they care more about the actor's handsome looks than his speeches, or Falstaff's bawdy jokes than Henry IV's complaints about his son, let them. As they watch it again and again, they'll understand more and more.
But how could they experience and appreciate the beauty of Shakespeare if only the "cut down" versions are presented to them?
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