Onscreen Allusions to Shakespeare: International Films, Television, and Theatre

Shakespeare's plays and motifs have been appropriated in fragmentary forms onstage and onscreen since motion pictures were invented in 1893, with this collection of essays exploring Shakespearean appropriations in unexpected contexts in lesser-known films and television shows in India, Brazil, Russia, France, Australia, South Africa, East-Central Europe, and Italy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 225 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Shakespeare's enduring influence permeates our contemporary culture in numerous captivating ways, manifesting through both fleeting references and profound intertextual connections. Since the advent of motion pictures in 1893, Shakespeare's plays and motifs have found fragmented expression in theatrical performances and cinematic adaptations. This comprehensive collection of essays ventures beyond the confines of a US-UK axis, uniting an international cohort of scholars to investigate Shakespearean appropriations in unexpected realms within lesser-known films and television shows across India, Brazil, Russia, France, Australia, South Africa, East-Central Europe, and Italy. Additionally, it draws upon some filmed stage works to shed light on these captivating adaptations.

Shakespeare's plays have been adapted and reimagined in various forms across different cultures and regions, reflecting the universal themes and characters that resonate with audiences worldwide. In India, for instance, filmmakers have explored Shakespeare's works in Hindi cinema, adapting plays like "Hamlet" and "Macbeth" to suit the local context and audience. Similarly, in Brazil, Shakespeare's plays have been translated into Portuguese and adapted into films, television shows, and stage productions, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and artistic diversity of the country.

Russia has also embraced Shakespeare's legacy, with filmmakers and theater artists creating their interpretations of his plays. One notable example is the film "Hamlet," directed by Aleksandr Sokurov, which was praised for its visual style and philosophical depth. In France, Shakespeare's plays have been adapted into films, television shows, and stage productions, often focusing on the romantic and political themes that resonate with French audiences.

Australia has also seen a resurgence of Shakespearean adaptations, with filmmakers and theater companies exploring his works in new and innovative ways. For instance, the film "The Tempest," directed by George Miller, reimagined Shakespeare's play in a post-apocalyptic setting, showcasing the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit.

South Africa has also embraced Shakespeare's legacy, with filmmakers and theater artists creating their interpretations of his plays. For instance, the film "Shakespeare in Love," directed by John Madden, explored the romantic relationship between Shakespeare and a young woman in 16th-century England, highlighting the themes of love, ambition, and the creative process.

East-Central Europe has also seen a growing interest in Shakespearean adaptations, with filmmakers and theater artists creating their interpretations of his plays. For instance, the film "Romeo and Juliet," directed by Frantisek Vlácil, reimagined Shakespeare's classic play in a modern-day setting, exploring the themes of love, loyalty, and the consequences of violence.

Italy has also been a hub for Shakespearean adaptations, with filmmakers and theater artists creating their interpretations of his plays. For instance, the film "Shakespeare in Love," directed by John Madden, explored the romantic relationship between Shakespeare and a young woman in 16th-century England, highlighting the themes of love, ambition, and the creative process.

In addition to these regional adaptations, there have been international collaborations and exchanges that have contributed to the global proliferation of Shakespearean appropri. For example, the Shakespeare in the Park

In conclusion, Shakespeare's enduring influence on contemporary culture is evident in the myriad ways in which his plays and motifs. Motifs have been appropriated and reimagined across different mediums, from theatrical performances to cinematic adaptations, and from lesser-known films and television shows to filmed stage works. This collection of essays showcases the rich diversity of Shakespearean appropriations and their impact on global audiences, highlighting the enduring power.

Weight: 447g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030937829
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022