We love him, we hate him. We've studied him throughout high school, and maybe a little bit in college. He's a masterful writer, a commander of the English language. He can be confusing, and vague, but that doesn't stop him from being one of the most prolific writers of all time. And if the header photo hasn't given it away yet, you know exactly who I'm talking about: good ole Billy Shakespeare. The Bard's birthday was no more than a few days ago, so I'd like to take some time to review all the things he's taught me, one of the world's biggest Shakespeare nerds.
1. Use your imagination.
Fun fact that not many non-Shakespeare students know: when Shakespeare's plays were originally produced in the globe theatre, he was working with a stage that was almost completely bare. So, the gorgeous environments described in his works - the island for "The Tempest", the nation of Egypt and the Roman Empire in "Antony and Cleopatra" - the audience had to imagine all of it.
2. Never underestimate the power of a woman.
Can I get a shout out for Lady Macbeth, please?
3. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
Okay, maybe not the best example, but we got to give Petruchio a little bit of credit. Who knows? Maybe you'll become the center of a hysterical and mildly problematic play.
4. Read and learn everything you can.
Due to extensive studies trying to figure out who Shakespeare really was, we've realized that he was a voracious reader and an excellent student. Who knows, maybe you'll read an essay by Montagne in a class, and that pretty much put the entire essay in your play. (I'm looking at you, "The Tempest.")
5. Sometimes, you just need to take a little break from the chaos of the world to get things back into perspective.
Alright, if you're not aware of the Shakespearean Green World, look into it because it is seriously some really cool stuff. Also, if you haven't read "Cymbeline" ... just do it. (And, yes, that is Misty Day from "American Horror Story: Coven" playing one of my favorite female roles, Imogen. I'm swooning.)
6. Okay, but seriously, never underestimate the power of a woman.
The picture above is from one of my favorite tragedies "Antony and Cleopatra." The scene above is right before Antony leaves Cleopatra, and ends up marrying another woman. Cleopatra, in a jealous rage, then begins to attack the messenger who brings her this news, dragging him across the stage. Like, seriously, that is so wild.
7. Magic is complicated.
As "A Midsummer Night's Dream" can tell you, mo' magic, mo' problems.
8. You can tell a story anyway you want.
One of the coolest things about Shakespeare is that a director has agency to set them in almost any time period and focus on any of the many concepts found in every play. And when a modernized production is done right - such as David Tennant in "Hamlet" - you can produce a really powerful work of art.
9. Not all love stories have happy endings.
"Romeo and Juliet": Need I say more? Because I could. There's a lot of tragic lovers in Shakespeare.
10. "To thine own self be true."
Some unfortunately good advice from the most problematic father in all of literary history, Polonius.
11. Words are powerful.
Shakespeare makes me fall in love with the English language a little more whenever I read one of his works. His plays are prolific, they are pillars of our language and culture. His plays have changed our world, and continue to, every time they're read or staged. So, thanks for making our world of literature and theatre that much better, Billy Shakes. Happy birthday.
