Shakespeare In the Media

Media.
Definition: the means of communication, as radio or television, newspapers, and magazines, that reach or influence people widely.

William Shakespeare.
Definition: 1564-1616, English poet and dramatist. (Bard of Avon)

Now, one question- Does William Shakespeare, a man born in the 1500's, have a large integration in modern day media?

YES!

Shakespeare was a man of many talents. He was a playwright, poet and dramatist. Shakespeare's works are still to this day some of the most commended pieces of literate work. They go from being adapted into movies to being taught in schools (HE-YO!).

Shakespeare, even to this day, is one of the most important men to have innovated and changed English Language and Literature for the better. Now, I know you are just thinking about all the SMS talk these days, OMG it is so annoying right? Sadly, Shakespeare's wisely constructed means of wording and sentence structure never got through to these...UNMUZZLED WEATHER-BITTEN HARPIES.

Aside from Shakespeare's integration into the English language, he obviously has had a large effect on the world theatre scene. Over the years, plays have become less and less popular to attend. This doesn't stop Shakespeare from still shining (like the sun). Several of his plays have been adapted into movies and several movies have been based on his plays.

Some plays adapted into movies:

• Romeo and Juliet (Baz Luhrmann)
• Henry V (Kenneth Branagh)
• Macbeth (Roman Polanski) 
• Hamlet (Kenneth Branagh)

Some movies based on plays:

• She's The Man (2006), based on Twelfth Night
• West Side Story (1986)  based on Romeo and Juliet
• Forbidden Planet (1956) based on The Tempest
• 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) based on The Taming of the Shrew

Forbidden Planet (1956)

10 Things I Hate About You(1999)

West Side Story (1986)

Additionally, regarding modern plays, Shakespeare's are those that stand out among plays written these days.  Their stories are based on situations that could have possibly occurred a hundred years ago, but not now. Since when do kings go on rampages and fall into depths of despair after receiving false hope. Not exactly often, if not never. Don't get me wrong, there are definitely some great theatre plays out there today. For instance, I thoroughly enjoyed a Canadian play/musical called 'Blood Ties' dubbed the slogan "A wedding. A suicide. A cleanup. A secret."

Did you know Shakespeare has a twitter account?
I didn't, until now.
Guess what kids? adults are catching up on the latest technology and trends... like seriously, AN OLD MAN THINKS IT IS OK TO TAKE A SELFIE?!

Let's end this entry on a nice note, shall we? Remember how I mentioned in the last blog that Shakespeare turned 450, well it turns out that Shakespeare is still so important, cherished and incorporated into world that his home town (and several areas around the world) celebrated his birthday with parties and parades. What a lucky man! Have a good week (or don't) and chill out. Maybe read some Stephen King (REPRESENT!) or listen to some new indie band that no one knows about. But until next week, take a look at these photos of his dedicated fans in his hometown!