JREY+Prewriting+Playwriting

Don’t you think they call it a classic for a reason?  In your group, look over the four following characteristics and brainstorm ideas of how you will accomplish each. Be sure to write down your ideas and answer the questions.
 * So, You’ve Decided to Adapt a Scene of Shakespeare? **

Some keys to adapting old plays **. . .**

> The reason the play needs to be adapted is usually because the original playwright's language now falls flat on our ears.
 * **Create the dialogue with your own voice. (How will you be heard?) **

> And ideally one that is close to what you want to write about in your own work.
 * **Find a play with a theme that resonates with audiences now. (Choosing an era) **

> Older plays -- 19th Century and earlier -- usually have many more characters than today's playwrights keep in their heads.
 * **Limit the number of characters. (Will members of your group be double-cast?) **

> Playwrights in the good old days used to take audiences for very long rides. 
 * **Reduce the length to what's typical today. (Once a scene has been chosen, approve with me) **


 * Adapted from Toscan, Richard. “Making Adaptations of Plays.” Virginia Commonwealth University. Date accessed 20 Apr. 2010. Webpage. .