The Reduced Shakespeare Company Is A Group Of Actors Who Perform Short, Modern Versions Of Shakespeare's Plays.Task:In Groups Of Four, Write Your Own Shorter, Modern Version Of A Scene From The Merchant Of Venice (Extracts 1-3). Instructions:1.
The Reduced Shakespeare Company: A Modern Twist on "The Merchant of Venice"
The Reduced Shakespeare Company is a group of talented actors who have mastered the art of condensing Shakespeare's plays into shorter, modern versions. Their unique approach to the Bard's works has captivated audiences worldwide, making Shakespeare's plays more accessible and enjoyable for a new generation of theater-goers. In this article, we will explore the concept of the Reduced Shakespeare Company and create our own shorter, modern version of a scene from "The Merchant of Venice".
The Reduced Shakespeare Company: A Brief History
The Reduced Shakespeare Company was founded in 1981 by Adam Long, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor. The trio's goal was to create a new kind of Shakespearean experience that would appeal to a wider audience. They achieved this by condensing the Bard's plays into shorter, more modern versions that retained the essence of the original works. The company's name is a nod to the Reduced Shakespeare Company's ability to distill the complexity of Shakespeare's plays into a more manageable and entertaining format.
Creating a Shorter, Modern Version of "The Merchant of Venice"
For this exercise, we will focus on extracting scenes 1-3 from "The Merchant of Venice". Our task is to create a shorter, modern version of one of these scenes, working in groups of four. We will use our creativity and imagination to adapt the original text to a more contemporary setting, while maintaining the core themes and characters of the play.
Scene 1: The Merchant of Venice
Original Text
Act 1, Scene 1
(Enter BASSANIO, ANTONIO, and SALARINO)
BASSANIO:
Good morrow, Antonio: what's the news from Venice?
ANTONIO:
Why, then, I am come from the great exchange, For so they call it. The devil take all countries That have no horses in them, to make 'em ride Upon white paper, with their windy mouths, When horseback citizens come trampling on them.
SALARINO:
What news, my lord?
ANTONIO:
Why, then, I am come from the great exchange, For so they call it. The devil take all countries That have no horses in them, to make 'em ride Upon white paper, with their windy mouths, When horseback citizens come trampling on them.
Modern Version
Title: "The Merchant of Venice: A Modern Twist"
Characters:
- BASSANIO: A young entrepreneur
- ANTONIO: A successful businessman
- SALARINO: A colleague of BASSANIO and ANTONIO
Scene:
(The scene takes place in a modern coffee shop. BASSANIO, ANTONIO, and SALARINO are sitting at a table, sipping their lattes.)
BASSANIO:
Hey, Antonio, what's the latest from the city?
ANTONIO:
I just got back from the stock exchange. It's crazy out there. People are making deals left and right, but it's all just a bunch of hot air.
SALARINO:
What's going on, guys?
ANTONIO:
Just the usual. People trying to make a quick buck, but it's all just a game. I'm starting to think that the only thing that really matters is who's got the most money.
BASSANIO:
That's not true, Antonio. There's more to life than just making money.
ANTONIO:
Maybe, but it's hard to see that when everyone around you is trying to make a profit.
Discussion Questions
- How does the modern version of the scene differ from the original text?
- What themes are present in both the original and modern versions of the scene?
- How does the setting of the modern version affect the tone and mood of the scene?
The Reduced Shakespeare Company is a group of talented actors who have mastered the art of condensing Shakespeare's plays into shorter, modern versions. Their unique approach to the Bard's works has captivated audiences worldwide, making Shakespeare's plays more accessible and enjoyable for a new generation of theater-goers. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Reduced Shakespeare Company and their approach to Shakespeare's plays.
Q: What is the Reduced Shakespeare Company?
A: The Reduced Shakespeare Company is a group of actors who have created a new kind of Shakespearean experience by condensing the Bard's plays into shorter, more modern versions.
Q: How did the Reduced Shakespeare Company come up with the idea of condensing Shakespeare's plays?
A: The Reduced Shakespeare Company was founded in 1981 by Adam Long, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor. The trio's goal was to create a new kind of Shakespearean experience that would appeal to a wider audience. They achieved this by condensing the complexity of Shakespeare's plays into a more manageable and entertaining format.
Q: What is the difference between the Reduced Shakespeare Company's approach and traditional Shakespearean productions?
A: The Reduced Shakespeare Company's approach is to condense the complexity of Shakespeare's plays into shorter, more modern versions. This allows for a more accessible and entertaining experience for a new generation of theater-goers. Traditional Shakespearean productions, on the other hand, often focus on the original text and may include elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects.
Q: How do the Reduced Shakespeare Company's actors prepare for their roles?
A: The Reduced Shakespeare Company's actors undergo a rigorous training process to prepare for their roles. They study the original text, as well as the company's condensed version, to ensure that they understand the characters, plot, and themes of the play.
Q: What is the most challenging part of condensing Shakespeare's plays?
A: The most challenging part of condensing Shakespeare's plays is maintaining the essence of the original text while making it more accessible and entertaining for a new generation of theater-goers. The Reduced Shakespeare Company's actors must be skilled in their craft to convey the complexity and depth of Shakespeare's plays in a condensed format.
Q: How does the Reduced Shakespeare Company's approach affect the audience's experience?
A: The Reduced Shakespeare Company's approach makes Shakespeare's plays more accessible and enjoyable for a new generation of theater-goers. The condensed format allows for a more intimate and engaging experience, with the audience able to focus on the characters, plot, and themes of the play.
Q: What is the future of the Reduced Shakespeare Company?
A: The Reduced Shakespeare Company continues to tour and perform their condensed versions of Shakespeare's plays. They also offer educational programs and workshops to help teachers and students explore the world of Shakespeare.
The Reduced Shakespeare Company's approach to Shakespeare's plays has opened up new possibilities for theater-goers to experience the Bard's works in a more accessible and entertaining way. By condensing the complexity of Shakespeare's plays into shorter, modern versions, the Reduced Shakespeare Company has made it possible for a new generation of theater-goers to appreciate the beauty and depth of Shakespeare's works. We hope that this Q&A article has provided you with a better understanding of the Reduced Shakespeare Company and their unique approach to Shakespeare's plays.