I am someone who needs an aid in reading Shakespeare, something simple preferably cliff notes, in book format, so I can take it with me on the train. But how simple is too simple? Or how condensed should Shakespeare become in order for his works to be understandable by all ages?  These days many books can now be read in a graphic novel format. Below is the link for an excerpt from Twelfth Night in the context of a graphic novel. This specific book is categorized as children’s literature, most likely in the 10-12 year old age bracket. After reading a bit of the excerpt do you believe that it is a good idea for children to even be introduced to Shakespeare.  Also is it even worth while to give children, or even teenagers, a version of Twelfth Night, or any other Shakespeare work, that is different from the original version and does the condensed version come anywhere near close to justifying Shakespeare’s original?

http://books.google.com/books?id=fbiZo6cJcGMC&printsec=frontcover&dq=9781602701953&hl=en&ei=AVmpS87UGcSclgeAvb3uBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDUQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Henry V begins in a very different way from the previous 5 plays we’ve read: there is a prologue to the play (type of introduction), and a Chorus, that marks the beginning of each act. The use of Chorus dates back to the times of the Ancient Greeks, who, in their dramas, used a group of people to comment on the action, or in some cases, interact directly with the characters. Why might Shakespeare have decided to use a prologue in Henry V, and not, say, Richard II, or any of the previous plays for that matter? What about a Chorus? So far, the use of the Chorus in Henry V, can only be compared with Puck’s speech at the end of Midsummer; they both communicate directly to the audience. Does the use of these theatrical mediums have something to do with the resonance of Henry V with the people of the time? Is their inclusion an artistic or practical choice?

Richard’s return from from Ireland in Act 3, scene 2 marks a transformation in his character. Whereas in Act 2, scene i, in which he confronts his dying uncle, the king’s language is callous and brusque, on the Welsh coast it soars while his while his spirit seems to sink. Given that his endeavors in Ireland were largely successful, why the metamorphosis?

I suspect he knew his days were numbered. On borrowed money he prosecuted the Irish wars as a final wielding of the absolute power with which he grew up and returned resigned to his demise.

The Cork Shakespeare Theatre Company is located in Ireland.  It is known as ” one of the oldest and longest serving theatre Companies in Ireland.” They have performed some of Shakespeare’s works which include Macbeth, Hamlet, As You Like it, Taming of the Shrew, Twelfth Night- and wouldn’t you know it, The Merchant of Venice. I have included the link to, what I believe is, the climax scene in the play. This is the court scene in which Shylock is about to take his payment, but is stopped by Portia citing Venetian law.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNSVNsDBNNQ

Did this visual of the play match the image that you had in mind while reading or was it completely different? If so, in what way was it different? Did it create a better understanding of the play/scene?

 Also the link below will take you directly to CorkShakepeare’s page on youtube.com where the works named above can be viewed.

 http://www.youtube.com/user/CorkShakespeare

Enjoy!