Shakespeare is, to my mind, one of the greatest storytellers there ever was. I think few would disagree with that! There's a certain magic in his use of verse and turn of language that makes him one of the most quoted writers in history.
My first encounter with Shakespeare was through my mother, who was a literature teacher for a season, amongst the various subjects that she taught in the course of her teaching career. I don't remember why or how it came up in conversation, but through repetition, I have her favourite quotes burned in my memory. She was fond of Macbeth, the result of which is that stirring pots, whether filled with soup or bubbles would automatically make "Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble" ring in my head. (Also because I'm geeky like that!) Till today, Macbeth remains one of my favourite literature texts because my mother made it come alive for me.
I intended to introduce Shakespeare to my kids at some point of time, and came across an unexpected opportunity when I chanced on these Shakespeare stories by Andrew Matthews while browsing in, err, a toy shop in Tanglin Mall.
Sitting innocuously on the shelf, I was drawn to the Quentin Blake-esque illustrations. (The illustrator is actually Tony Ross.) I took a flip through and liked what I read -- concise re-tellings of Shakespeare's stories, well-written and paced, which succeeded in bringing across the dramatic and figurative themes of the plays. Since I am incapable of only buying one book at a time, I picked up six titles.
Noey plunged into them straightaway, and after coming home and reading them, I immediately regretted not picking up everything. Especially when I realised that at $4.90 each at this shop, they were a real steal! When I went back to the shop to get more, they were sold out.
I read through a few books with Noey and I thought it did a good job of explaining the sometimes complicated story lines in a way that was understandable to children while conveying the true (and sometimes dark and gruesome) essence of the story. What matters most is that he found them interesting enough to read all the books I bought. Each book starts with an introduction to the characters, the story, followed by a couple of pages with a summary of the themes and some additional background to the tale. Right at the end there is two pages on Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre, where most of Shakespeare's most famous plays were performed.
Altogether a good read, recommended as a first introduction to Shakespeare for 7 to 9 year olds. While surfing on Book Depository, I noticed that they sell these Shakespeare Stories as collections of 4 stories, which look to be more value for money. I might have bought these if I didn't buy the individual stories already.
More Shakespeare Stories: A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Tempest, Hamlet, Henry V
I also chanced upon Mr Shakespeare's Plays and Bravo, Mr William Shakespeare!by Marcia Williams, which I immediately snapped up because these are Shakespeare's plays presented in the form of comics, something which I think Noey is going to love. I'll update about this after it arrives.
Mr Shakespeare's Plays and Bravo, Mr William Shakespeare! by Marcia Williams.
Of course, the best way to enjoy Shakespeare is on stage. In this regard, I am particularly excited about the fact that this November, Shakespeare's Globe -- yes, the theatre company from the modern incarnation from THE Globe Theatre of Shakespeare's time -- will be staging A Midsummer Night's Dream, right here at the Esplanade Theatre in Singapore!
This play is one that I did study and know (or at least used to know) fairly well. I've watched the movie version and seen it performed in the park. But this version promises to be a treat for the senses, as the set will be a miniature version of the stage at the Bankside Globe, complete with the iconic pillars, balcony and hand-painted detailing!! I'm super excited about that, plus the Renaissance-style costumes and staging, which would, I think, give one a glimpse of what it might have been like back in Shakespeare's day. Unfortunately Noey's a little young for this (kids 6 and under would not be admitted), plus I doubt he would have the stamina to sit through a 3-hour long Shakespeare play. So I won't be bringing him but if you have older children, it's definitely worth considering.
Ticketing and Show Information
Season: 13 to 16 November 2014
Venue: Esplanade Theatre
Performance Times: Thurs and Fri 8pm; Sat 3pm and 8pm; Sun 3pm
Ticket Prices: $148, $128, $118, $98, $78 (Matinee tickets are $10 less)
Duration: 2 hours 40 mins + 15 minute interval
Booking: Sistic at sistic.com.sg or calling 63485555
Which was your favourite Shakespeare text? Do you have any Shakespeare story book for kids to recommend?
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