Don't Read Shakespeare

Source: Pixabay 

A couple of weeks ago, I had the immense pleasure of going to see a production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream presented by Bob Jones University. It was the first Shakespeare play that I have ever seen live, and it was quite a phenomenal experience. 

The costumes were colorful, the humor better than any mediocre Adam Sandler film, and the actors were lively, especially Michael Cunningham who played the mischievous Puck, and Joshua Leon, who played the loquacious and hilarious Nick Bottom. Bob Jones put on a riveting performance, one that has compelled me to see more of their theater’s productions in the future. 

In regards to my relationship with Shakespeare, I am no stranger to the monologue-writing Englishman. I read a couple of his plays in high school, and as an English major in college, I had to take an entire class devoted to him, though his work at times branched into my other classes as well. And my experience with his work has left me with this wisdom: don’t read Shakespeare.  

Well to clarify, if you’re going to try one of his plays, don’t just read it. Experience it. From my perspective, Shakespeare’s plays were meant to be performed, not simply read. I had an arduous time just reading his plays. They are written in an archaic way, so for me, the words do not come alive and have actual meaning until they are harnessed by actors, either through an audiobook or articulated on stage. Shakespeare’s sentences then take on cadences and emotions that bring everything he imagined to life. 

 In college, I would find videos of Shakespeare’s plays on YouTube and watch them while reading along. This helped me understand and truly appreciate what was written by the man who is arguably the greatest English writer in all of history. Shakespeare is a master of the pen, and a king of drama; there is nothing quite like what he gave the world. 

If you have an opportunity to catch a production of one of Shakespeare’s plays, then by all means treat yourself. Especially if it’s being put on by Bob Jones University, because again, they did such a great job with A Midsummer Night’s Dream, it has become one of my favorite Shakespearean comedies. 

So, what are you waiting for? Give Old Bill a whirl.