The Comedy of Errors

The Comedy of Errors is a classic Shakespearean play that has been updated with modern jokes and wordplay in this translation by Christina Anderson. It is part of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival's Play On! project, which commissions new translations of Shakespeare plays to make them accessible to modern audiences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 130 pages
Publication date: 06 December 2022
Publisher: Arizona Center for Medieval & Renaissance Studies,US

Shakespeare's iconic slapstick comedy, now with updated jokes and wordplay, is a timeless masterpiece. One of his earliest plays, The Comedy of Errors, is a hilarious tale of separated twins and mistaken identities. This quintessential slapstick play has become a genre staple, featuring outrageous humor, love at first sight, reunions, and happily-ever-afters. Christina Anderson's masterful translation delves deep into the original text's joy, reinterpreting metaphors, antiquated slang, and double and triple entendres for a contemporary audience.

This translation of The Comedy of Errors was written as part of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival's Play On! project, which commissioned new translations of thirty-nine Shakespeare plays. The goal of these translations is to present Shakespeare's work in language accessible to modern audiences while preserving the beauty of his verse. A diverse group of contemporary playwrights, screenwriters, and dramaturges collaborated on this project, reimagining Shakespeare for the twenty-first century. These volumes mark the first time that these works have been published in print, creating a new First Folio for a new era.

The Comedy of Errors is a perfect example of Shakespeare's comedic genius. The play revolves around two sets of twins, Antipholus of Ephesus and Antipholus of Syracuse, who are accidentally separated at birth. Through a series of misunderstandings and mishaps, they end up in the same town, where their confusion and hilarity ensue. The play features a cast of memorable characters, including the hilarious Dromio of Ephesus and the loveable Luciana.

Anderson's translation captures the essence of Shakespeare's humor, while also adding contemporary references and cultural nuances. She skillfully weaves together the original text with modern language, creating a seamless and engaging translation that will appeal to both Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The play's themes of love, mistaken identities, and the power of humor are as relevant today as they were in Shakespeare's time.

The Comedy of Errors has been performed countless times on stage and screen, and Anderson's translation has the potential to bring this timeless masterpiece to a new generation of audiences. The project's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity is a testament to Shakespeare's enduring legacy and the importance of preserving his works for future generations.

In conclusion, Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors is a classic slapstick comedy that has stood the test of time. Christina Anderson's masterful translation brings this timeless masterpiece to a contemporary audience, preserving the original text's humor and themes while adding modern references and cultural nuances. The project's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity is a testament to Shakespeare's enduring legacy and the importance of preserving his works for future generations.

Weight: 112g
Dimension: 196 x 131 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780866987837