Books in TV Shakespeare series

Did you know that the only known purpose-built theaters in Shakespeare's England were in London and Bristol? Or that only boys and men could become actors? This fascinating book outlines the world of the theater in which William Shakespeare wrote and did business, from outdoor and indoor theaters, the life of an actor, and touring, to how plays were written, funded, and staged.

Othello and As You Like It are the newest additions to the imaginative world of Manga Shakespeare. In the face of the false evidence produced by the conniving Iago, Othellocannot trust his wife, and his mistrust leads to the play’s tragic conclusion. In As You Like It, Rosalind, dressed like a boy, falls in love with Orlando. A mistaken-identity comedy follows, with a happy ending (or the ultimate justice served) for those who deserve it. Both plays have been refreshingly updated in the style of manga while maintaining Shakespeare’s beautiful language. F&P level: Z

When the Chinese leader Wen Jiabao visited Britain in 2011 he said that Shakespeare was the greatest writer who ever lived. People all over the modern world recognize the image of his face and have heard of his plays. But why is he really so famous? This original book looks at how Shakespeare is interpreted and performed today, showing how Shakespeare's influence has stretched much further than the reading and stage performance of his works: into films, festivals, paintings, other media, and into the English language.

From the Royal Shakespeare Company – a modern, definitive edition of Shakespeare’s most loved comedy. With an expert introduction by Sir Jonathan Bate, this unique edition presents a historical overview of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in performance, takes a detailed look at specific productions, and recommends film versions. Included in this edition are three interviews with leading directors Michael Boyd, Gregory Doran and Tim Supple, providing an illuminating insight into the extraordinary variety of interpretations that are possible. This edition also includes an essay on Shakespeare’s career and Elizabethan theatre, and enables the reader to understand the play as it was originally intended – as living theatre to be enjoyed and performed. Ideal for students, theatre-goers, actors and general readers, the RSC Shakespeare editions offer a fresh, accessible and contemporary approach to reading and rediscovering Shakespeare’s works for the twenty-first century.

Now presenting Manga Shakespeare—the Bard’s greatest plays in an accessible, lively format for a new generation of readersHamlet is one of Shakespeare’s most well-known plays, and this exciting new retelling provides young readers an innovative introduction to “the melancholy Dane.” Hamlet is your typical angst-ridden teen—he doesn’t know how to deal with his responsibilities, how to treat his girlfriend, or how to react to his father’s death. He has no one to trust, and he even acts crazy so adults will leave him alone. Manga fans—and kids who find Shakespeare intimidating—will be drawn to the style and action of the Manga Shakespeare series, learning that required reading doesn’t have to be boring.

The latest in the breakout series Manga Shakespeare, introducing teens to a new kind of Bard.In one of Shakespeare’s funniest, most enduring stories, meddling fairies create unexpected love triangles among a group of teenagers. Hermia is in love with Lysander. Demetrius is in love with Hermia. Helena is in love with Demetrius. Add to the mix Puck, a fairy with a powerful love potion, and chaos is sure to follow. Now everyone’s in love with Helena, Hermia is hopping mad, and the fairy queen Titania is in love with a man with a donkey’s head! Using the style and visual language of manga, Kate Brown transforms Shakespeare’s world into something new and vibrant. It’s the perfect introduction to Shakespeare’s work for reluctant readers and manga fans alike.

Did you know that the only known purpose-built theaters in Shakespeare's England were in London and Bristol? Or that only boys and men could become actors? This fascinating book outlines the world of the theater in which William Shakespeare wrote and did business, from outdoor and indoor theaters, the life of an actor, and touring, to how plays were written, funded, and staged.