Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare for a Modern Audience

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare for a Modern Audience

Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' was written to be viewed by an

audience via stage. But theatre productions have become less popular

due to cinema, videos, DVD's and home theatre. It means that for a

cheaper cost people can view productions of stories both in public and

within their own homes.

Theatres of today tend to be portrayed as an occasional evening out,

something that is planned and requires booking. Theatres are a lot

less common than in Shakespeare's time and people may be put off by

the idea of having to travel to them.

A Shakespeare play is stereotypical thing to view at a theatre. This

may put average working people off, as it is known as a teaching text;

and hence for a more intellectual audience.

Theatre's are also very different from those in Shakespearean England,

they are no longer noisy, smelly and hectic places, but peaceful,

furbished, with a relaxed atmosphere. Today's theatre audiences

applaud the actors/esses and remain silent through the production.

Whereas Shakespeare's audiences were rude and threw items at the

actors.

Due to lower theatre demand some directors have put 'Romeo and Juliet'

into film production. The film industry is now a large and competitive

market. Many directors of films try to incorporate a number of genres

so the film will appeal to a wider audience. For example the film,

'Pearl Harbour' has action, history, love, which are contained in this

war epic, this means it attracts 3 different audiences, boosting film

ratings.

The use of special effects and the quality of the production of the

film can also dec...

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sword, fights.

Theatre productions of 'Romeo and Juliet' still occur, yet these do

not tend to appeal to a large modern day audience. Several films have

been made of 'Romeo and Juliet'; this may put modern film producers

off, as a modern audience may seek an original text.

Overall the majority of people would probably agree that 'Romeo and

Juliet' still offers entertainment, through both theatre and film.

Personally I would not go and see a version of 'Romeo and Juliet' at

the cinema as a film, mainly because I associate the cinema as a

relaxed fun place to be, the play doesn't offer me that sense of

environment, yet I would consider going to see a stage version, as it

seems a classic but suitable way to view the play. Yet some elements

of it have become dated and who can say what the future will bring?