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Cover of Playfulness in Shakespearean Adaptations

Playfulness in Shakespearean Adaptations

by Marina Gerzic

Book Details

Publisher:Routledge
Published:2020-04-30
Pages:269
Format:BOOK
Language:en

Reading Info

About This Book

Four hundred years after William Shakespeareโ€™s death, his works continue to not only fill playhouses around the world, but also be adapted in various forms for consumption in popular culture, including in film, television, comics and graphic novels, and digital media. Drawing on theories of play and adaptation, Playfulness in Shakespearean Adaptations demonstrates how the practices of Shakespearean adaptations are frequently products of playful, and sometimes irreverent, engagements that allow n

Our Review

This scholarly work examines how modern creators across film, television, comics, and digital media transform Shakespeare's works through playful reinterpretation. Drawing on adaptation theory, the book analyzes how contemporary artists engage with the Bard's canon through irreverent and creative approaches that breathe new life into four-hundred-year-old texts. The study moves beyond traditional stage productions to explore how popular culture continually reshapes Shakespearean themes for new audiences.

Gerzic's analysis stands out for its focus on the deliberate playfulness in adaptations, revealing how modern retellings often challenge classical interpretations while honoring Shakespeare's enduring relevance. This book will particularly resonate with literature students, adaptation scholars, and anyone fascinated by how classic stories evolve across media landscapes. The fresh perspective on Shakespeare's cultural afterlife makes this an engaging read for understanding why these centuries-old plays continue to captivate creators and audiences alike.

Themes

Literary Criticism

Subjects

Literary Criticism