Strange interpretations?

Upon hearing that we’re about to experience Hamlet in a wading pool wearing water wings, a coworker and I got into a discussion about why Hamlet seems to be the play that has the wildest interpretations. I attribute it to the underlying theme of Hamlet’s dementia, feigned or otherwise, and the overall emphasis on what’s going on in his head as opposed to reality.

But it did bring up the question of just how odd a presentation of Shakespeare can get. I once saw a performance of I believe Midsummer Night’s Dream, if I’m not mistaken, where Oberon periodically lapsed into what turned out to be Klingon. Or the “post Apocalyptic” Macbeth where poor Banquo lost his head courtesy of a powered automobile sunroof.

Shakespeare Forums

Does anybody know where all the Shakespeare Forums are hiding? I’m surprised to discover very few. I see Savage Shakespeare, but is that all?

A friend who runs a popular Hemingway site told me that his attempt to start up a forum was a big disaster as it was rapidly swamped with people wanting answers to their homework questions, instead of people who wanted to actually discuss Hemingway, so he took it down. I wonder if Shakespeare sites suffer from the same problem?

Director preparing play on Shakespeare’s personal life

http://www.mehrnews.ir/en/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=208386

Iranian director Khosro Amiri announced on Tuesday that he is currently preparing a play that tells the story of the personal life of Shakespeare entitled “Mystery of Shakespeare’s Dolls”.

“My new play is a modern tragicomedy which reveals hidden aspects of Shakespeare’s life,” he added.

“Shakespeare is blind drunk in this play. He has four dolls and writes all his masterpieces based on his own personal life. For example, he writes Macbeth because he has problems with his wife and her family; that is, Shakespeare appears totally different on stage,” he explained.

All the Shakespeare Stuff You’d Hope to Find

Shakespeare’s Den is great for a laugh even if you’re not in the mood to buy. Anything and everything that’s ever had Shakespeare’s mug plastered upon it (including mugs, natch) can be found here. Of course there’s also every book, wall hanging and statue you might imagine as well.

Some gems:

  • Shakespeare bobblehead doll
  • Shakespeare action figure
  • After Shakespeare mints
  • Hamlet finger puppets
  • Shakespeare “celebriduck”

I don’t get an affiliate fee, either, so there :-P. I just wish my wife would let me buy half this stuff.