Waking Shakespeare

 Shakespeare is back, the stage is set..... but where is it? Short Recap As was discussed in our first post ( Prologue: Shakespeare the Strategist ) Shakespeare was a strong strategist. In his life he was forced to deal countless challenges such as plagues in London resulting in the shutting down of theatres, leasing issues at theatres that resulted in him establishing his own theatre called the Globe (which later burned down), difficult audiences, having to create characters specifically for an actor given their skills and experience, having to rely on natural lighting, and using handmade sound effects and props in his plays. There was also no copyright law in his time, meaning plays, writings and related activities were not sustainable forms of income. This resulted in ticket sales at plays being the only meaningful income from his writing (Reckard, 2013). None of this stopped Shakespeare from accumulating great wealth and renown.  Shakespeare's Soliloquy I has't woken ...

Shakespeare as depicted in "The Simpsons", 2002   The Purpose of the Arts – Entertainment, Escapism, or Social Commentary? Having awoken to the wonders of the 21st century - mobile phones, electric cars and vending machines, Shakespeare would no doubt marvel at the wondrous advancements we have made since his time.

"A Shocking Sight to Behold" - Shakespeare's Site By Jason Yang The most famous writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist, Shakespeare has returned from the dead - news that has been met by shock, awe and fear across the planet. Over the past few months, the world's best doctors, academics, linguists, psychologists and physiotherapists have been helping bring the Bard back to the 21st century. His lessons covered everything from history, science, finance, technology and of course, linguistics. Reports, released consistently to map his progress have shown that Shakespeare is responding well to the interventions and preparatory activities. He's also taken a liking to naan, Nutella and Nespresso.   The more curious developments, however, relate (as it often does these days) to the web. And we mean that in both of the potential literal interpretations.  After having recently discovered the internet and all the new ways of doing things, Shak...

Shakespeare lived in early modern London. His walks to and from his place of work involved dodging flying excreta from windows above or leaping over sprawled out bodies of the drunk, homeless, and dead. London in the early 17th century was an unenviable place. Lodgings were cramped and congested, the population of 200,000 people confined in flimsy three-story wooden houses, packed beyond capacity. A smell of disease and death lurked in the air. Medicine was in primitive development, science looked to the stars but struggled to help its own people. All life occurred in modern-day City of London, which is now crowded with overpowering skyscrapers and unamiable businessmen. So little tangible remains of Shakespeare's London. The Great Fire of London wiped out much of his memorable history, 50 years after his death. And so, when William Shakespeare woke from his 400 year sleep, he emerged into an unrecognisable place. Shakespeare's entire world in London is now known as the smalles...