shakespeare
Tricky: isn't he?
Actually: no.
Speaking Shakespeare with understanding and warmth and (crucially) modernity is incredibly easy...
... if only you know how.
but why bother?
so what now?
Shakespeare is over-revered; over-hyped; irrelevant, out of touch, elitist. Right?
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Well: no.
But keep telling yourself that if it helps.
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On a purely practical level, I've lost count of the amount of
performers, teachers and practitioners who have lost work due to their inability to understand Shakespeare.
Classical speeches are often a requisite of Drama School entry,
and the popularity of Shakespeare as an enduring entertainment form shows no signs of abating.
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In literary terms, Shakespeare simply offers more than anyone else in terms of
linguistic beauty and the ability to create haunting images of humanity.
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In theatrical terms,
his universal themes and exquisitely wrought characters ensure that
new and vibrant adaptations continue to engage and inspire.
So by all means avoid him if you must:
but let it not be through nervousness or anxiety.
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The buttons below will help you get started​
as you navigate your way through understanding a little more about Shakespeare.
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