Shakespeare Retold

Shakespeare Retold was a four-part anthology series from 2005 that sought to modernize four of Shakespeare’s most prestigious plays: Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing, The Taming of The Shrew, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. The BBC backed this ambitious endeavor, which employed a highly talented ensemble cast of renowned British actors.

The show's intention was not just to uproot Shakespeare's stories from their original setting and plop them into the 21st Century, but to have these narratives organically evolve and forge a reflective mirror to contemporary Britain. The writings of Shakespeare do more than simply survive translation into different eras. They sweepingly absorb the context of their setting, manifesting in ways that are startlingly faithful to their marrow of theme and character, yet furiously incisive of their new topographic and temporal domains.

This concept would reshape the chosen plays imaginatively and revive them for an audience that might not be accustomed or receptive to classical Shakespearean productions. The showrunners experimented strategically with each play, deconstructing the core plot and characters, rearranging the pieces, and speaking in a language that not only echoes but embraces the essence of the original works.

"Macbeth" transformed from a bloody drama from Scottish highlands into a chilling tale set in a three-Michelin-star restaurant. In this modern retelling, Macbeth is a head chef and his wife, a MAÎTRE'D; transcending the boundaries of their environment, together, they plow a path of ambition and betrayal.

On a lighter note, "Much Ado About Nothing" transformed into a contemporary romantic comedy. Set in a news station, the fiery relationship between Beatrice and Benedick keeps the audience on its toes. As co-anchors of the evening news, their steady bickering fuels their undeniable chemistry while a parallel subplot maintains the spirit of the original play.

On the flip side "The Taming of the Shrew" is a literal interpretation of Shakespeare’s most controversial comedy. It presents it as a romantic, feminist yarn spun within the world of British politics and media. The show breathes new life into these iconic characters while also challenging and subverting the problematic elements of the original story.

Ending with "A Midsummer Night's Dream," the show reimagines it set in a holiday resort, infusing the narrative with a whimsical, magic realism that mirrors the enchanting aura of the original work, mesmerizing the audience into the delightful absurdities that arise from mischievously meddled love affairs.

Apart from the exceptional storytelling, what truly elevates the series is its cast. With actors such as James McAvoy, Keeley Hawes, Billie Piper, Rufus Sewell, Imelda Staunton, Damian Lewis, among others, Shakespeare Retold boasts some of Britain’s finest talent. Each portrayal embellishes the modern adaptations, offering nuanced performances that breathe life into these timeless characters while simultaneously bringing a unique personal flair to them.

The performances are aided by the sharp scripts that manage to smartly repurpose Shakespearean dialogue. It is commendable how the dialogues are crafted to echo, preserve, and pay homage to the elegance of Shakespearean English, while not resembling it in the conventional sense. Rather than an overt attempt to repurpose the original scripts, they readjust the syntax to retain a lyrical rhythm similar to the Bard's iambic pentameter, thereby introducing an element of seamless transition between the tone of the original plays and their modern adaptations.

The set designs, costuming and overall production values further add dimension to this series, enriching it visually while thematically aligning with the modern world it aims to portray. The series, therefore, is not just pleasing to the ear but also to the eye.

Shakespeare Retold elegantly weaves the old with the new. It succeeds brilliantly with its risky concept. It sticks to the intrinsic core of the plays, remaining faithful enough to the originals to please avid Shakespeare admirers while catering to the tastes of a modern audience. The show innovatively draws inspiration from the classical and constructs a distinctly relevant narrative from it, proving once again, that Shakespeare’s works, far from being weighed down by the centuries, continue to find resonance and relevance in our modern lives.

This concept driven, artfully executed show is enjoyable for those already acquainted with Shakespeare's work, and it serves as a fun, accessible introduction for those a tad bit intimidated by the thought of the Bard. As the timeless saying goes, "If music be the food of love, play on!" And in the cases of these four plays, play on they do!