Shakespeare for Young People: Productions, Versions and Adaptations

(Paperback)

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Description

The search to find engaging and inspiring ways to introduce children and young adults to Shakespeare has resulted in a rich variety of approaches to producing and adapting Shakespeare's plays and the stories and characters at their heart. Shakespeare for Young People is the only comprehensive overview of such productions and adaptations, and engages with a wide range of genres, including both British and American examples. Abigail Rokison covers stage and screen productions, shortened versions, prose narratives and picture books (including Manga), animations and original novels. The book combines an informative guide to these interpretations of Shakespeare, discussed with critical analysis of their relative strengths. It also includes extensive interviews with directors, actors and writers involved in the projects discussed.

Reviews

Abigail Rokison provides a comprehensive review of some of the many approaches taken by theatre and film directors, publishers and writers to shape the plays to teenagers and provides sharp, pertinent and knowledgeable evaluations of the successes and shortcomings of this body of work ... Rokison's excellent analysis of the plethora of work designed to entice young people into Shakespeare makes this an invaluable book that educators in schools and arts organisations would benefit from reading. -- Georghia Ellinas, Head of Learning with Globe Education * Around the Globe *
Abigail Rokisons new book is an overview of the myriad interesting and dynamic ways in which recent texts have attempted to make Shakespeare and his works, understandable, relatable, and entertaining for young people . . . I found Rokisons book most engaging in the examination of stage productions of Shakespeare targeted at young people, offering invaluable audience responses, detailed description, and in-depth analysis of these productions . . . The interviews that follow each chapter on the various stage productions are a fascinating insight into the creative process of adapting Shakespeare for young people . . . The variety of films, comics, and other works discussed throughout is a highlight. -- Marina Gerzic, School of Humanities, The University of Western Australia * Parergon *
Well written and doesnt have too much of a critical research project feel, in spite of the numerous quotes and the extensive bibliography. Rokison certainly knows her stuff. -- Ali Warren * Teaching Drama *
Offers a wealth of information on adaptations, graphic novels, animations, and original plays based on Shakespeare. -- Roland Greene, Stanford University * Recent Studies in Tudor and Stuart Drama *

Author Bio

Abigail Rokison is Lecturer in Drama and English in the Education Faculty in Cambridge and Director of Studies in English and Drama at Homerton College, Cambridge, UK. She is Chair of the trustees of the British Shakespeare Association.